
Authoir 



Title 



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1»-4T87 



HEARTSEASE 



CHARLES KLEIN & J. I. C. CLARK 




SAMUEL FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th St., New York 



HEARTSEASE 

^ plan tn Sfisxnt ^ttsk 



By 

CHARLES KLEIN & J. L C. CLARK 

Revised, 1916, by J. I. C. Qark 



Copyright, 1916. By SAMUEL FRENCH 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 

CAUTION. — All persons are hereby warned that " Hearts- 
ease," being fully protected under the copyright 
laws of the United States, is subject to royalty, and 
anyone presenting the play without the consent of the 
owners or their authorized agents will be liable to the 
penalties by law provided. Application for amateur 
acting rights must be made to Samuel French, 28-30 
West 38th Street, New York. Application for the 
professional acting rights must be made to the Ameri- 
can Play Company, 33 West 42nd Street, New York. 



NEW YORK 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38TH STREET 



LONDON 

SAMUEL FRENCH. Ltd. 

26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET 

STRAND 



^ 






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In its present form this play is dedicated to the reading 
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SECTION 28.— That any person who wilfully or for 
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or who shall knowingly and wilfully aid or abet such 
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less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand 
dollars, or both, in the discretion of the court. Act of 
March 4, 1909. 



DEC -3 lare 

©CLD 4564::» 



HEARTSEASE. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 



Lord Neville 

Major Twombly 

Padbury 

Sir Geoffrey Pomfret 

Captain O'Hara 

Darville 

DOXTON 

Chairman 

QUIGG 

Lady Neville 
Margaret 
Alice Temple 
Eric Temple 
Lady O'Hara 



HEARTSEASE 



ACT I. 



Scene: — Drazving-room at Lord Neville's. A 
sumptuously furnished apartment, style Louis 
XVI. Entrance c. at hack. Entrance with 
portiere, r. i e. Entrance l. 3 e., to conserva- 
tory. A small console l. c, and chair near it. 
Table r. c. with gong. Desk up r. with paper, 
quill-pen, and ink. Sofas, arm-chair, and other 
chairs. A cabinet stands l. 

DISCOVERED :— Lady Neville r. c. Sir Geof- 
frey at mantel. Major at table with two guests 
playing chess; Margaret and Lady O'Hara 
seated on sofa to L. Capt. O'Hara leaning 
over hack of sofa. 

Major. I protect my king. 

Guest. (Sir Geoffrey) Bravo, Major! 

Lady Neville. (Rings hell Enter Doxton c.) 
Doxton, announce Mr. Temple the moment he 
arrives. (Crosses to c.) 

Sir Geoffrey. (Coming down l. c. taking snuff) 
Egad, 'tis come to a pretty pass ; and how long must 
we wait upon this jingle maker? 

Lady Neville. Patience, cousin Geoffrey, what- 
ever detains Mr. Temple, I'll wager 'tis unavoidable. 

Capt. O'Hara. (l.) That's true for you, Lady 
Neville. 

Sir Geoffrey. (Leaning lazily against harpsi- 
chord) Your Ladyship seems deeply interested in 
this Mr. Temple? 



4 HEARTSEASE. 

Lady Neville. (Affectedly) Oh, no, I love — 
music. (Everybody laughs) 

Sir Geoffrey, (l. c. Aside to Lady Neville) 
Your motive may be misconstrued. You discover 
this fellow, you make yourself known as his 
patroness. You give this musicale to exploit his 
genius, invite the impresario, Darville, draw Lord 
Neville blindfolded into your scheme. 'Gad, we're 
all made parties to your Ladyship's intrigues ! 

Lady Neville. (Indignanily) Sir Geoffrey! 

Major. Mr. Temple has been delayed, no doubt. 

Sir Geoffrey. For my part, this delay is a 
pleasant one. We shall hear the less of the fellow's 
music. 

Margaret. Ah, Sir Geoffrey, like all musicians, 
you are professionally jealous. 

Sir Geoffrey. Scarcely that, since in music I 
am but an amateur. 

Capt. O'Hara. (Coming down r.) Egad, his 
music tells that louder than words. (General laugh) 

Sir Geoffrey. Ah, Temple's friend. 

Capt. O'Hara. I am, and whose friend are you? 

Major. Mine. (Rising) 

Lady Neville. So, so, my good Captain, you ap- 
prove of Mr. Temple's music. 

Capt. O'Hara. (Coming c.) Many a time on 
the weary march, we have been made the happier 
for it. 

Lady O'Hara. A soldier, too. 

Capt. O'Hara. And a gallant one he was. 

Lady O'Hara. Why did he leave the army? 

Capt. O'Hara. His father died, leaving an 
orphan daughter, small means and big debts. 
There's a campaign at home, said he to me, that I 
must go back and fight, and so he left the boys who 
loved him, to enter on the hardest battle he ever 
faced. 

Lady Neville. Ah! How brave! But he will 
be the success, the triumph of my musicale. I vow. 



HEARTSEASE. . 5 

Sir Geoffrey, you will declare his music ravishing, 
such brio, such allure, such regelmdssigkeit. 

Sir Geoffrey. {Coming down) Zounds! Does 
it take three languages to praise the fellow's semi- 
quavers? — The plain English of it is, it would give 
a cat the vapors 

{Laugh from Major.) 

Lady Neville. Come. Margaret shall put you 
in a better humor with Mr. Temple's music; she 
thinks highly of it. We will wait no longer. 
(Servant enters, d. r. To Servant) I shall order 
the musicians to begin. {All rise) 

{Enter Doxton, c.) 

DoxTON. Mr. Padbury, a city gent, desires to see 
Mr. Temple on pressing business. 

{Enter Padbury c. General titter.) 

Lady Neville. Mr. Temple has not arrived. 
Kindly await him here! (Lady Neville exits r. 
Lady O'Hara and Margaret cross and exit r. t. 
Sir Geoffrey and Major cross up to Padbury) 

Sir Geoffrey. Mr. Temple's friends are more 
original than his music — (Sir Geoffrey and Major 
exit R. I. e.) 

{Music off R.) 

Padbury. Ah, Captain O'Hara! {Coming down 
c.) 

Capt. O'Hara. Padbury, what is this pressing 
business that brings you here? 

Padbury. Well, I might have pressing business, 
if I pressed my notes. 



6 HEARTSEASE. 

Capt. O'Hara. So you come here like a dirty 
dun. 

Padbury. Why can't he introduce me among his 
friends? (Padbury produces letter) My dear 
Padbury: Though ever inindful of your goodness 
to me in many zvays, I cannot invite you where I am 
hut a guest. I ain't pressing him for the money, but 
only to introduce me to his friends. Why don't he 
ask them to invite me? Ain't I good enough? I 
may be Lord Mayor of London yet. I have been 
Alderman twice. I am rich. I want to be among 
fashionable folks, so that when the King comes to 
knighting of me I shan't be afraid to say " How do 
you do " to dukes. {Sits in chair r.) 

(Capt. O'Hara is behind him, drawing his sword.) 

Capt. O'Hara. By my soul, I shall be after 
knighting you myself! {Clapping him on the 
shoulder with sword) Rise, Sir Peter Padbury, and 
depart. 

Padbury. Ain't I to stay, after all the trouble 
I took to get in ? 

Capt. O'Hara. Faith, you will find it much easier 
to get out. {Drawing Padbury over to the left) 

(Lady Neville enters r., unobserved.) 

Padbury. Ain't he beholden to me for his father's 
debts? And he won't even introduce me to his 
friends ! 

Lady Neville. (Aside) In debt to him! 
(Aloud) Captain O'Hara, what does this man 
desire ? 

Capt. O'Hara. I know what he deserves, my 
lady. 

Lady Neville. (Laughs) Will you excuse me, 
Captain, I wish a few words with Mr. Padbury. 

Capt. O'Hara. (Crossing r. around table) Be- 



HEARTSEASE. 7 

lieve me, my lady, my friend is not to blame for this 
intrusion. 

Lady Neville. Go! Go! (Exit Captain 
O'Hara r. I E.— Aloud) Ah, Mr. Padbury, sit 
down. (Padbury sits) If you have missed Mr. 
Temple, you can at least hear his music as it drifts 
this way. 

Padbury. Yes, my lady. 

Lady Neville. I have heard Mr. Temple say you 
have some interest in him aside from friendly rela- 
tions ? 

Padbury. (l. sitting, rejoiced) Oh, he 'as m.en- 
tioned me ! Yes, my lady, I'm his patron. I'm his 
creditor. 

Lady Neville. How very interesting! Then 
Mr. Temple is somewhat — in your debt ? 

Padbury. Som.ewhat? I hold that thick of his 
father's notes with his endorsement. He ain't got a 
penny but it's mine ; not a penny. 

Lady Neville. Ah, then you are his Maecenas ? 
(Rising) 

Padbury. His what? (Rises, comes c.) More 
like his Moses, m.y lady. It all began with me lending 
money to his father for his horse-racing. Then when 
the father died, young Temple comes and says he'll 
pay his father's debts some day, and so he endorses 
his father's notes. Oh, he's got pluck and spirit, he 
has, even if he does play the fiddle! (Seeing that 
Lady Neville does not listen, he stops) 

(Stop music.) 

Lady Neville. (Rises, seeming to forget Pad- 
bury) Struggling and involved — ! If this weight 
were lifted from his shoulders, surely he might feel 
more than this — gratitude — (r. of table) 

Padbury. (c. coughing twice and fidgeting) 
Your ladyship doesn't 'ear what I'm saying. 

Lady Neville. (Standing back of table) On 



8 HEARTSEASE. 

the contrary, I was thinking how fortunate Mr. 
Temple is in having such a friend! (Corning c.) 

Padbury. That's what I tell him. But he says 
to me, my Lady, sometimes he wishes I was in my 
strong-box along with his father's notes. (Goes 

L. C.) 

Lady Neville. (Suddenly' — aside) Indeed! 
Mr. Padbury, will you call on me to-morrow ? 

Padbury. (Surprised) Will I call? Your lady- 
ship, I will call in a chariot ! 

Lady Neville. (Mysteriously and hurriedly) 
You need not wait to see Mr. Temple now. Come 
early to-morrow, and don't mention it to anyone. 

Padbury. No, my lady 

Lady Neville. Not even to Mr. Temple — and, 
Mr. Padbury 

Padbury. Yes, my lady 

Lady Neville. Bring Mr. Temple's notes with 
you. 

(Enter Pomfret and Twombly.) 

Padbury. Does your ladyship mean ? 

Lady Neville. Hush! 

Padbury. (Aside) Your ladyship seems very 
fond of music ? 

Lady Neville. Gentlemen, this is Mr. Padbury ; 
Sir Geoffrey Pomfret, Major Twombly— (Com^ 
R. e.) 

Padbury. How do you do, Sir Geoffrey ? How 
do you do, Major? Nobody never takes no notice 
of me. (Goes up c.) 

Lady Neville. (At entrance R. bowing. Exits 
R.) Gentlemen! 

Major. (Both l. of table) Lady Neville seems 
interested in Mr. Temple's friends as well as Mr. 
Temple. 

Sir Geoffrey. (Front of table r.) It's mon- 
strous. Lord Neville shall be informed, but how ? 



HEARTSEASE. 9 

Major. Why not a squib in the Chronicle ? 

Sir Geoffrey. One that would make him squirm. 

Major. Have it placed under the Court News. 

Sir Geoffrey. Good. His Lordship always reads 
that. I'll write it now. Major, take him aside, pump 
him, and learn how he stands with Temple. (^Goes 
to desk R.) 

Major. Mr. Padbury. (Offering hand) 

Padbury. (Coming c. from l.) Major — (De- 
lighted. Shakes hands ivith Major) 

Major. So you are a friend of Mr. Temple ? 

Padbury. A friend ! A friend indeed ! (Signif- 
icantly) I was a friend in need. 

Major. So he is in your debt ? 

Padbury. He is up to that in debt with me — 
promissory notes of every kind. Why, I could clap 
him in jail, but I have a good heart. (Turns away) 

Sir Geoffrey. (Coming l. of table) Major, 
read that. 

(Padbury goes L.) 

Major. (Reading) How long will it be before 
the old Lord, her husband, will rhyme with his own 
name and send the young composer to the devil — 
devil — Neville. (Laughs) A fellow in the City ? 

Sir Geoffrey. By the way, what did you learn 
from that city brute? (Indicating Padbury) 

Major. He owns Temple, spurs and feathers — 
Deep in Padbury's debt! 

Sir Geoffrey. Good, Padbury must be got to 
squeeze him for the money. Twenty guineas if you 
land Temple in the sponging-house. 

Major. Done! (Claps hands. Turning to Vkd- 
BURY — going to him) IVIr. Padbury, when shall we 
see you again ? I know a gentleman who might take 
up one or two of Mr. Temple's notes. 

Padbury. (Slighted, iwzv sivelling with pride, as 
he advances) Sir, I have the honor to wait upon 



10 HEARTSEASE. 

Lady I'^^ville to-morrow. Perhaps we shall meet 
here at Eurton House. 

Sir Geoffrey. What, here at Burton House? 

Padeury. By her ladyship's special invitation. 

Sir Geoffrey, (r., half -aside) Incredible ! 

Padbury. (l. c.) Oh, it's true. My lady told 
me to be sure and come — and — between gentlemen, 
I don't mind telling you that I've found a purchaser 
for Mr. Temple's notes. 

{Look between Sir Geoffrey and Major.) 

Major. Indeed, sir, and may I ask the gentle- 
man's nam.e? 

Padbury. {As if remembering his promise to 
Lady Neville) It ain't no gentleman. Ha! Ha! 

Major. A fellow in the city? 

Padbury. I don't mention no names — {Goes up) 

Major. {To Sir Geoffrey) Could it be Lady 
Neville? 

Sir Geoffrey. No, no, pay a man's debts? (Sir 
Geoffrey looks r.) Take him away. 

Major. Come, Mr. Padbury. I will return with 
you to the city. 

{Music.) 

Padbury. With pleasure, Major. I hope her 
ladyship won't feel hurt at my not saying good-bye ? 

Major. Oh, no — and then, to the Chronicle. 
{Exit L. c. zvith Padbury) 

Sir Geoffrey, (r. above table) Paying Temple's 
debts ! No, even she Vv^ould not be so rash — paying 
his debts. At any rate I don't think the fellow 
will call so frequently at Burton House. {Exits r. 
I. E. Enter Doxton) 

DoxTON. This way, Mr. Temple. (Eric and 
Alice enter. Eric hands note to Doxton. He then 
exits) 



HEARTSEASE. n 

Alice. Eric, the music has begun — we are late ; 
and, brother, how can we explain ? 

Eric. Explain? The truth will do that, dear. 
The way was long. I came on foot. 

Alice. Oh, Eric! 

Eric. Courage, dear, only courage. See, my 
opera here in Burton House ! Almost in Darville's 
hands. Do you not know what that may mean to us ? 

Alice. (Shakes her head) No! 

Eric. Debts, difficulties, troubles, all at an end. 
We two free, out of the shadow into God's glad, 
laughing world, and through you, my work, into 
which I have poured all the fancies, longings, pas- 
sions, that were born with me, that have grown with 
my growth and have strengthened with my strength, 
until they have burst into one triumphant song of 
love. 

Alice. Love ? 

Eric. Yes, that which I shall sing to-night shall 
tell her of my hopes, my fears, will lay here my 
soul, which with this poor song I dedicate. (Reads) 
'^ Heartsease, to Margaret. Eric Temple.*' 

Alice. Lord Neville's daughter — a beauty of 
rank and pride, brother dearest. (Clings to him) 
We two have been all the world to each other, have 
we not? We have suffered, hungered, hoped to- 
gether, we are together still. Eric, dear, come away 
from this new world. Come while there is time, 
come back into obscurity, into the shadow if it need 
be, only come. Come away from Miss Neville; 
forget your love for her. 

Eric. (r. c.) Forget my love for her? Ask me 
to forsake my music, to put away ambition, to for- 
get my hopes, deny my dreams ! — Don't bid me de- 
spair. She shall reach down from her high firma- 
ment to me as I strive on, until some day I shall 
scale the heights to happiness. 

(Music stops. Enter Captain O'Hara.) 



12 HEARTSEASE. 

O'Hara. Oh, Eric, my dear boy, I'm just long- 
ing to see you. (Goes to Alice, l., and takes her 
hands) 

Eric. Oh, I know. Jack ; you're always longing 
to see me, and then you might be blind for all you 
look at me. 

O'Hara. {Looking in Alice's face) Sure, I'm 
gazing at you in the prettiest looking-glass in the 
kingdom. {Going up c.) 

Alice. Captain O'Hara, I protest. You never 
said such a thing before ! 

O'Hara. I'm mostly dumb in your presence, but 
Eric's flint struck my steel, and then the sparks 
flew ; if they only fell on the tinder of your little 
heart ! 

Alice, (l.) It is not tinder, or tender, either, 
Captain O'Hara. {Goes up l.) 

{Enter Lady Neville and Darville, followed by 
Sir Geoffrey.) 

Jack. Eric, I'd like to discuss that subject with 
her. {Crosses up l.) 

Eric. Will your ladyship pardon my tardiness? 

Lady Neville. You have brought the opera 
with you? {Pause.) Will you not intrust it to me 
until to-morrow? 

Eric. Lady Neville, I commend it to your care. 
I cannot thank you, but if you ever hear it, it will 
tell you at least I know the duty I owe to you. 

Lady Neville. Surely it will give you back some 
part of all the thought you have spent upon it. It 
shall rest safely here, Mr. Temple. {Places it in 
cabinet l.) 

Eric. I thank your ladyship. 

Lady Neville. With what do you intend to de- 
light us ? 

Eric. A simple ballad which I hope will please 



HEARTSEASE. . 13 

your ladyship, and which I have called *' Hearts- 
ease " 

(Exeunt, O'Hara and Lady Neville. Song off 
R. Sir Geoffrey gets Ms, from Cabinet l., 
looks over its pages.) 

Sir Geoffrey. That opera will make him 
famous. (Puts Ms. back. At end of song, ap- 
plause) Margaret is the first to congratulate him. 
That opera shall never reach Covent Garden. {Goes 
up) 

Margaret. (Enters r. looking at song) 
"Heartsease, to Margaret. Eric Temple.'' (Sees 
Sir Geoffrey) Ah, Cousin Geoffrey, why were 
you not listening to the music ? 

Sir Geoffrey. Is it so very wonderful? 

Margaret. Wonderful — to me it seemed like no 
other music I ever heard ; both words and music. 

Sir Geoffrey, (l. c.) If I could only touch 
your heart with words, with music, or with my love ! 

Margaret, (r. c.) Geoff rey, not again ! (Goes 

L.) 

Sir Geoffrey. Ah, I have loved you since you 
were a child ; then I could wait, but now you are a 
woman, I must have my answer, Margaret. I speak 
with your father's sanction, Margaret; tell me my 
love is returned. 

Margaret. Hush, cousin, here come Mr. Tem- 
ple. 

Sir Geoffrey. S* death! Is there nothing but 
this Temple in the air — his genius, his opera? 
(Crossing l.) 

Margaret. Yes, more, more, see this song he has 
dedicated to me. 

Sir Geoffrey. *"' Heartsease, to Margaret. Eric 
Temple." Odd! So poetic, and to some purpose, 
Mr. Temple ! 



14 HEARTSEASE. 

IMargaret. Write one like it if you can, Cousin 
Geoffrey. (Crosses l. c.) 

Eric. (Enters r. Comes c.) Ah, Sir Geoffrey! 
(Crosses to c.) I had hoped to have your opinion 
of my song. Yours is a judgment I should have 
valued. 

Sir Geoffrey. To me it has a striking fault. 
(Crosses to c.) 

Eric. (r. c.) Indeed, and that? 

Sir Geoffrey. The dedication. 

Margaret, (l. c.) Since Miss Neville is pleased 
to allow the dedication, I cannot see how it con- 
cerns Sir Geoffrey Pomfret? 

Eric. Miss Neville, I thank you. 

Sir Geoffrey. (To Eric) We will discuss this 
at another time. 

('Cello Solo off r.) 

Eric. At any time you choose. (Exit Sir 
Geoffrey up c.) Ah, Sir Geoffrey and I were 
never friends, Miss Neville. Even in the old days 
at Rugby we were rivals. 

Margaret. Never fear, Mr. Temple, he could 
never rival this, your song. 

Eric. If it pleases you. Miss Neville. 

Margaret. It seems to fill the air, the room, with 
witchery. You are a conjurer, sir. What is the 
secret of your power? 

Eric. It is only in the inspiration, in the senti- 
ment that fills my heart as I write. 

Margaret. (Seated at liar psi chord) It almost 
seems to speak. 

Eric. I wish it could, that it might speak for me. 

Margaret. I wonder what, then, it would say? 

Eric. Cannot you guess the words ? 

Margaret. No, I only know it is very sweet. 

Eric. And yet the sweetest song that time has 



HEARTSEASE. 15 

ever sung to life is singing in my heart as I stand 
fnus with you. It is the song of love. 

Margaret. (Rises) Mr. Temple! 

Eric. Ah, let me speak. 

Margaret. No, no. 

Eric, (c.) Have I offended you? But what 
could I do? Love has so filled, so overflowed my 
heart that I cannot hold the words in check, or if I 
did, my love for you must find an echo in my voice, 
if I should say the day is beautiful. I did dare hope 
you had seen it written in my song. Have I looked 
too far above me? Must I turn my eyes to earth 
again? Have I dreamed too fair a dream? 

Margaret. Ah, it is too sweet! It will be too 
bitter when the dream is past. 

Eric. Can my devotion count for me, cover my 
poverty and my faults and lift me nearer to you? 

I^^Iarcaret. Ah, no, it is not that, but pride, the 
father's dreami of an almost royal wedding for the 
child he loves. (Goes tip) Ah, Eric, for your 
own sake I would have you Vv'in the success you are 
striving for. Reach for fame and honors, but should 
the struggle be too long, come to me, and I will join 
yon at my father's feet. 

Eric. Margaret ! You mean 

Margaret, Eric ! I love vou. 

Alice. (Off l. c) Eric! 

Margaret. (Releases herself and rushr.'^ to door 
R, Taking flo7vers from zvaisthand, she th- -^s them 
fo Eric) Heartsease for heartsease, there's a 
flower for your song. (Exits) 

(Enter Alice r. u. e.) 

Alice. Eric, what pretty flowers. 
Eric. Heartsease, Alice — Heartsease, and I 
bought them for a song! 

CURTAIN. 



i6 HEARTSEASE. 

ACT II. 

Scene : — Smne as Act I. 

DISCOVERED: — Lord Neville seated in arm- 
chair near table r. c, reading paper.) 

Lord Neville. (Dashing down paper) This 
fellow Pitt will never do. We want Lord North 
again. He'd put the Tories on their feet. (Rising — 
with sudden pain) Ah! The party has the gout, 
as well as — (Enter Doxton, with several folded 
nezvspapers on a salver) Well, what is it? 

DoxTON. Papers, my lud? 

Lord. I've read the papers. (Taking the papers) 
What's this scrawl? (Reads zvith glass) "Read 
under the heading of Court News — ?" (Turning 
over paper hastily) Another good friend, I suppose, 
turned out by Pitt to make room for a Whig. Ha. 
" Court News." (Reads) "At all the fashionable 
clubs, they are watching the intrigue of a young 
genius who comes of a profligate family." (Laugh- 
ing) Ha ! Ha ! Gad ! The town's full of 'em. 
(Reads) " He has dedicated a song to the Honor- 
able Miss — ^blank." (Alert) A musical genius! 
(Reads) " In order to cover his devotion to — 
(With grooving anger) the virgin's young step- 
mother." Eh! Zounds! (Reads) "Bets are 
offered as to how long it will be before the old lord, 
her husband" — Damme! is that for me? — "before 
the old lord, her husband will " — (Enter Pomfret. 
Mystified) — " rhyme with his own name and send 
the young composer to the devil!" (Enraged) 
Neville! Devil! (Tearing up paper, stamping on 
it, then he feels gout tzvinges, and sits dozvn) 

Sir Geoffrey, (c.) Why, what's amiss, my 
lord? (Seeing papers) H'ml 



HEARTSEASE. 17 

Lord Neville. (Choking with rage) What's 
amiss? (Pointing at papers) The wasps, the 
scribblers — the assassins with blanks and dashes — 
and — and — rhymes 

Sir Geoffrey. (Sympathetically) Is it possi- 
ble? Rhyming on your lordship? (Stooping to 
pick up pieces) 

Lord Neville. Don't stoop to the damned thing! 
Read that! (Taking up paper in each hand from 
salver) Here! My friends want me to enjoy it. 
(Gives one to Sir Geoffrey and tears the other) 

Sir Geoffrey. (Looking slowly over paper) I 
can see no rhymes. 

(Lord Neville throws it dozvn and is about to 
stamp on it, hut does not, dreading a repetition 
of gout tzvinge.) 

Lord Neville. No, no rhymes! / make the 
rhymes ! 

Sir Geoffrey. You write poetry, my lord ? 

Lord Neville. No, damn it ! Look there ! Read 
that ! ( Takes snuff angrily ) 

Sir Geoffrey. (Reads paragraph zvith feigned 
astonishment) — Young genius — young stepmother — 

Lord Neville. Ah ! 

Sir Geoffrey. (Reading) — Sending the com- 
poser to the devil ! Devil ! ! 

Lord Neville. (Rising) You see, devil — • 
Neville. 

Sir Geoffrey, (c.) Why not Greville? 

Lord Neville. (Grasping at idea gladly) Ah! 
(Rejecting) No, Greville's a widower; not such 
an old fool as to marry again. 

Sir Geoffrey. I feared it. (Crosses to l.) 

Lord Neville. Feared what? 

Sir Geoffrey, (l. c.) A scandal. I hoped her 
ladyship would detect it, but this fellow Temple has 
presumed so adroitly, and it has gone so far. 



i8 HEARTSEASE. 

Lord Neville, (r. c.) So far? How far? 
Has — has he dedicated a song to Margaret ? 

Sir Geoffrey, (l. c.) Margaret innocently 
showed it to me yesterday — she suspects nothing. 

Lord Neville. (Rising) And Lady Neville? 

Sir Geoffrey. (Hesitating. Crosses c.) Lady 
Neville. (Pause) No doubt 

Lord Neville. (Rising, coming c.) Come, 
speak like a man, like a friend. 

Sir Geoffrey, (c.) No doubt, Lady Neville is 
a trifle dazzled by the fellow's genius — he's queer, 
suspicious — engaging after a fashion — and — young. 

Lord Neville. (Angrily) What the devil has 
his age to do with it ? 

Sir Geoffrey, (l.) But to suppose that Lady 
Neville — oh, absurd, shocking! The fellows who 
write these things ought — (Crosses to l.) to be 
pilloried. 

Lord Neville, (c.) You're dodging, Pomfret, 
speak out ; Lady Neville 

Sir Geoffrey, (l.) No, on my honor, white as 
the driven snow. (Bows) 

Lord Neville, (r. c. Recollecting) Why, the 
fellow's coming here to-day. His opera's here. I'm 
to speak for it — speak for it — speak for it — and to 
him. Zounds ! I'll have him forbidden the house — 
I'll — (Going tip) 

Sir Geoffrey, (c.) No, no violence. Your 
position's a trifle delicate. Let him come here — 
treat him civilly — (Coolly enjoying Lord Neville's 
impatience) hear his opera, say it won't do, and — 
show him out. 

Lord Neville. (Crossing c. to Sir Geoffrey) 
Do you take me for a Quaker, or a cringing tailor ? 

Sir Geoffrey, (l. of c.) Why wound Lady 
Neville ? 

Lord Neville. Odds life! They — (Crossing 
R. to table. Pointing to paper) make no face about 



HEARTSEASE. 19 

wounding me. Where's Margaret ? How dares this 
Temple dedicate — {Going upstage c.) 

Sir Geoffrey. Hush. Temple's sister is with 
Margaret in the garden. {Pointing r.) 

Lord Neville. {Coming down to l. of r. tahle-^ 
sitting) The whole family? {Sits r.) 

Sir Geoffrey. {Crossing to him c. r.) My 
Lord, under your favor, I hope to make Margaret 
my wife. I trust you will consider me when you 
think of violence towards Mr. Temple. A Httle tact, 
a little patience. {Enter Lady Neville at back, in 
street-dress. Sir Geoffrey bowing, l. u. e.) Good 
morrow. Lady Neville. 

Lady Neville. {Going dozvn L. Bowing) 
Good' morning, Geoffrey, calling on Margaret al- 
ready .'' (Lady Neville gives staff to page) 

Lord Neville. Your ladyship has been abroad? 
(R c.) 

Lady Neville, (l. c. A little taken back. 
Seated on sofa l.) I was carried through the park 
in my chair as far as my milliner's in Bond Street — 

Lord Neville. Any music at the milliner's? 

Lady Neville. {Laughs. Lord Neville goes 
up. After a pause) Music? Oh, lud. Her 
squeaking English! (Sir Geoffrey crosses — and 
up L.) Going, Geoffrey? 

Sir Geoffrey. I am waited for at White's, my 
lady. {Bows. As he passes up, motions Lord 
Neville not to show paper to Lady Neville. 
Lord Neville follows him up, paper in hand. 
Sir Geoffrey at back bows again, and smiles ma- 
liciously) 

Lord Neville. Come back to dinner. 

Sir Geoffrey. Delighted. {Business between 
them. Bows and exits up r. c.) 

Lady Neville. {Throws herself back languidly) 
Are you going out, dear George ? You can take my 
chair. 



20 HEARTSEASE. 

Lord Neville. (Drily) Thank'ee, my lady. 
(Looks at papers and then at Lady Neville) 

Lady Neville. (Arranging her toilet and look- 
ing at Lord Neville) You won't forget that Mr. 
Temple is coming? (Lord Neville just about to 
sit, nozv jumps up) to play his opera, and that M. 
Darville 

Lord Neville. (Suddenly, goes over c.) My 
lady ! What are you coddling this music scribbler 
for? 

Lady Neville. (Rising, then zvith forced laugh, 
going gaily to him) You won't laugh? 

Lord Neville. Be sure of that — I won't laugh. 

Lady Neville. Well, I want to be a la mode. I 
want to be a patroness — a real lady patron of the 
arts — the discoverer of a genius. 

Lord Neville. H'm ! (Crosses r. and sits) 

Lady Neville. (Going over to Lord Neville, 
R. c.—over back of his chair) Just think of it, Lady 
Montgallop's husband is so much older than you, 
dear, and yet, because she discovered the poet of 
Teddington, she's toasted everywhere. (Crosses 
down R. back of table) 

Lord Neville. (Turning to her) What has my 
age to do with it ? 

Lady Neville. Pure coincidence, my lord. 
(Sitting r. of table) Then the young Marchioness 
of Tenley, who dicovered a Welsh bard at some un- 
pronounceable festival; has been thanked in the 
name of the Prince of Wales. 

Lord Neville. (Across table) And is the Mar- 
quis as old as Montgallop? 

Lady Neville. Older, still older. 

Lord Neville. Here's a new industry for 
young wives of old husbands. (Rising) Discover- 
ing a genius! (Goes l. c.) The genius, of course, 
must be young. There never was an old genius. 

Lady Neville. (Demurely) They should, if 
possible, be discovered young. 



HEARTSEASE. 21 

Lord Neville. {Taking out watch) What time 
does this young genius of yours come here to-day? 

Lady Neville. (Rises — brightly) In an hour. 

Lord Neville, (c.) Well, I'll be here and Dar- 
ville won't. 

Lady Neville. (Crosses l.) He will. 

Lord Neville. (Crosses to r.) He won't. 
(Rings) 

Lady Neville. He will. 

Lord Neville. (Crosses r.) He won't. 

Lady Neville. (Crosses l.) Why not, my lord? 
Am I to have none of the privileges of a woman of 
quality? Must I be denied all the distractions 
proper to my age ? 

Lord Neville, (c.) This Temple's father was 
a profligate. 

Lady Neville, (l. c.) A pretty reason! (Goes 

up L.) 

Lord Neville, (r. c.) He's a Lovelace him- 
self — learned the art in Italy. 

Lady Neville, (l. c. going to him) Fie, my 
lord. Who was been abusing this worthy man to 
you? 

Lord Neville. Who? Everybody. Zounds, I 
don't like him! (Enter Doxton. Crosses to r.) 
Won't have him. Doxton 

DoxTON. Yes, my lord? 

Lord Neville. My compliments to M. Darville 
at Covent Garden Theater, and he needn't x rouble to 
come. 

Doxton. Yes, my lud! 

Lady Neville, (l. c.) My compliments to Dar- 
ville, and, and — and — (Confused) Oh, dear— 
(Stops at a look from Lord Neville) 

Doxton. Yes, my lady. 

Lord Neville. (To Doxton) Now, go! 

Doxton. Yes, my lady. 

Lady Neville. (To Doxton) No, wait. 

Doxton. Yes, my lady. 



22 HEARTSEASE. 

Lord Neville. (To Doxton) Now, what's 
your message? 

Doxton. You don't like him and you won't have 
him, and he needn't trouble, my lud ! 

Lord Neville. (Down r. c.) Oh, go to the 
devil ! 

Doxton. Yes, my lud. (Exits hastily c.) 

Lord Neville. I'll leave the message myself. 
(Sits R.) 

Lady Neville. (Walking up and down stage) 
'Tis fortunate I am no longer a dependent as well 
as a wife. 

(Enter Margaret r. i e.) 

Lord Neville. Your old aunt died with her two 
hundred thousand pounds in the nick of time, eh? 
To make you independent, and ride hobbies in spite 
of me, eh? (Margaret, seated r. of table, takes 
Lord Neville's hand) Margaret, you are a girl of 
common sense, I appeal to you. 

Lady Neville. Very well, my lord. (Goes c.) 
I shall retire. I don't relish an appeal to a daugh- 
ter who is only four years younger than her 
mother — (Up at door r.) although forty years 
younger than her father. (Exits at R. 3 e.) 

Margaret. What is it, father? (Crosses back 
of table) 

Lord Neville. This Temple dedicates a song to 
you — Insufferable ! 

Margaret. Why, father, it is an honor. 
Lord Neville. Bah ! It is only a cover to — the 
long and the short of it is, I don't wish Lady 
Neville's name to be publicly paraded with this fel- 
low. He is — a wholly unworthy person. 

Margaret. (Rises, goes c. Going c.) Oh, my 
lord, you are in error. He is a true, brave man, and 
in music, a genius. 

Lord Neville. Eh! You've caught the cant 



HEARTSEASE. 23 

word, too ; you also are going about discovering, eh? 

Margaret, (c.) I don't understand. 

Lord Neville. Then you shan't. 

Margaret. (Crossing to him and kneeling at his 
knee) Father, tell me what you have heard? 

Lord Neville. All the clubs are talking about 
it. This Temple is one of those designing — ah — 
specious fellows who steal into women's hearts with 
a trick of a fan or a glove. (She rises) Ah! 
You've noticed the fellow's arts ? 

Margaret. No, father, it is — incredible. 

Lord Neville. (Rising, goes to her^ c.) Well, 
keep a sharp lookout — for my sake. 

Margaret. Father, I'll not hear of it — Lady 
Neville? (Going d. e.) 

Lord Neville. Then if you'll not concern your- 
self about it, leave it to me and your Cousin Sir 
Geoffrey. He has some sense of the family honor, 
and since you will be Lady Pomfret soon — maybe 
it's as well. (Crosses to c.) 

Margaret. I shall never be Lady Pomfret ; I do 
not love Sir Geoffrey. 

Lord Neville. Pooh ! A man with ten thousand 
a year. (Goes up c.) A musician — since you love 
music! You'll change your tune. 

Margaret. (Aside, goes up) Eric! Lady 
Neville ! Oh, I'll not believe it ! (Exit r. 2 e.) 

Lord Neville. (Looking after her) Could she? 
Oh, nonsense ! H'm ! The first thing is to vStop 
Darville. (Going up c. Enter Doxton with an- 
other hat and cane) Why couldn't you bring these 
at first, dolt? (Putting on hat) 

DoxTON. (In door) Major Twombly, and a 
City gent. 

Lord Neville. (In anger) Oh! Oh! (Goes 

R.) 

{Enter Padbury and Major, Padbury with some 



24 HEARTSEASE. 

ribbons on his coat. Major in a new suit. Exit 

DOXTON.) 

Major. (Coming forward with a swagger down 
c.) Our duty, my lordship. {Bozving) 

Lord Neville, (r. buttoning coat) To what do 
I owe the — honor ? {Looking savagely at Padbury) 

Padbury. {Down l. of c.) We thought you'd 
be gone out, my lord. 

Lord Neville. {Going up c.) Oh, you did? 
Well, I'm going out. What do you want ? 

Padbury. {Crosses c.) Go straight out, my 
lord. It's Lady Neville I'm come to see, and the 
Major skipped along with me friendly-like. 

Major. {Crosses to Padbury) Allow me, Mr. 
Padbury. 

Padbury. {Crossing to Major) Allow me, 
Major? 

Lord Neville, (l. of c.) Oh, rot it, I'm in a 
hurry! What do you want ? {Goes "l.) 

Padbury. (r. c, coming doivn to him. Bozving) 
Lady Neville invited me to Burton House and here 
I am, so I said to myself, her Ladyship's bent on 
helping genius 

Lord Neville. Oh, you, too — ah ! 

Padbury. Me, too? 

-Loi^ Neville. {Backing Padbury to r.) Has 
Lady Neville been discovering you? Are you 
young? Are you a genius? 

Padbury. Don't kick, my lord. 

Lord Neville. Kick? Damme, you'd tempt 
Saint Peter — {Walking l., then up) 

Padbury. {FoUozving him) If everything goes 
right with my lady and me, I'll invite you, my lord, 
to the biggest feet shampeter — which means, my 
lord, a French feed in the open air. (r. c.) 

Lord Neville. {Going) Why don't you invite 
me to a bed? 

Padbury. {Up to him) Heartily welcome. 



HEARTSEASE. 25 

Lord Neville. Oh, Intolerable! (Going up c.) 

Padbury. But, my lord 

Lord Neville. Oh, go to the devil! (Padbury 
turns) Damme now, I'll settle the genius. (Exits 
c.) 

Major. You've put your feet shampeter mto it, 
Mr. Padbury. 

Padbury. (l. c.) Why don't you back me up? 
Ain't I took you to my house? Ain't I filled you 
v^ith old beeswing port? (Crosses to c.) 

Major, (r. c.) Pooh! Answer a civil question. 
Have you clapped Temple into jail ? 

Padbury. (Smiling) No, I am merciful. Be- 
sides, how can I put him into jail if he pays his 
debts ? 

Major, (l. c.) Has he paid them, Padbury? 

Padbury. They're as good as paid ! Look here — 
(Taking out notes, points over shoulder) Her 
Ladyship invited me yesterday, and sent a chairman 
to-day with a billet doux telling me not to forget to 
come and bring the notes. Ha, ha, ain't it good ? 

(Enter Doxton r. 3 e.) 

DoxTON. (l. 2 e.) Her ladyship will receive 
Mr. Padbury. 

Padbury. (Nudges Major. To Doxton) 
Very good, sir. (Crosses c.) 

Major. H'h! H'm ! Fellow! Fellow! 

Padbury. (c. to Doxton) Very good, fellow. 
I'll wait upon her ladyship. (Comic business with 
Doxton and Padbury — Exits r. 2 e.) Major, 
you'll wait for me. 

Major, (c.) Paying Temple's debts! Here's 
news for Sir Geoffrey. 

(Enter Lady Neville and Padbury up r.) 

Lady Neville. Understand, Mr. Padbury, not a 
word ot this to anyone, not even to 



26 HEARTSEASE. 

(Enter Doxton c.) 

DoxTON. Mr. Temple, my lady. 

Lady Neville. (Hesitates — pauses) Ask the 
gentlemian to await me in the garden. 

Doxton. Yes, my lady. (Exit Doxton) 

Lady Neville. (Up steps) Mr. Padbury, 
kindly remain here for the moment. (Exits r. c.) 

Padbury. Paid at last. (Enter Alice and Mar- 
garet) Oh, I have a good heart. (Goes l.) 

Margaret. Come, Alice. 

Alice, (c.) There's Eric and Lady Neville in 
the garden, and Captain O'Hara. Oh, Miss Neville, 
don't you think that I — that you — that we -? 

Margaret. Yes, dear, go to them if you wish. 

Alice. Oh, I don't wish. I merely thought that 
perhaps, — I think I'd better go. (Exits c.) 

Margaret. Mr. Padbury 

Padbury. (Coming down l. c.) Welcome, I 
say, Miss, the noble chance that led to this tooth- 
some taste of fashionable life. 

Margaret. (Smiling as if in spite of herself) 
You enjoy it, Mr. Padbury? 

Padbury. Enjoy it? Oh, hugely, I assure you, 
Miss — and I owe it all to my goodness of heart. 

Margaret. Lideed ? 

Padbury. Honorable Miss Neville, you wouldn't 
think I almost owned Mr. Temple up to a quarter 
of an hour ago? 

Margaret. Indeed ! 

Padbury. Why, he was up to that in debt to 
me — promissory notes of every kind. Oh, I've a 
good heart 

Margaret. (Eagerly) His debts are paid? 
(Back of table r.) 

Padbury. Oh, Lord Neville is his warm friend. 

Margaret. (Surprised — zviih interest) My 
father ? 



HEARTSEASE. 27 

Padbury. (Hesitates) Well — not exactly your 
father — next door to it — almost the same thing — 
Lady Neville 

Margaret. {Going c. to him) Lady Neville? 

Padbury. (l. c.) Hush, it's a secret. I'll tell 
you all about it. 

Margaret, (r.) Mr. Padbury, I can hear no 
more. Kindly leave the house. 

Padbury. {Goes up c.) Well, the aristocracy is 
odd ! First they order you in, then they order you 
out! {Exits up c. L.) 

Margaret. {Sinks into chair l. of table r.) 
Lady Neville pay his debts ! 

{Enter O'Hara and Alice from garden l. c.) 

Capt. O'Hara. And what is your hurry, Alice? 
Sure, the flowers'll stop growing if you leave them 
so soon. 

Alice. Oh, Captain O'Hara, didn't you see 
Lady Neville wanted to talk to Eric? {Rises) Oh, 
Miss Neville — {Crossing to Margaret) 

(Margaret still shows signs of irritation.) 

Capt. O'Hara, {Aside) I want to talk to Eric 
myself. {As if making up his mind) 

Alice. {To Margaret. Coming down) Miss 
Neville, you are angry with me for staying so long 
in the garden with — Eric 

Capt. O'Hara. {Coming down c.) You see, 
she is very fond of Eric, and Eric is very fond of 
her. 

Margaret, (r. Smiling) Everybody should be 
fond of Mr. Temple's sister, Captain. 

Capt. O'Hara. {Coming to c.) That's what I 
say : " Love me, love my sister." 

Alice. Oh, Captain! {Crosses to l.) 

Capt. O'Hara. (r. c, aside) Gad, that's nearer 



28 HEARTSEASE. 

than I ever came to saying it ! (Enter c. Eric and 
Lady Neville) Here comes Eric, I'll say it to 
his face : " Eric, I love your sister ! I love your 
sister." 

(Lady Neville goes to cabinet l. and takes out 
opera score. Margaret looks at Lady Neville 
with a pang of jealousy.) 

Capt. O'Hara. (To Eric r. c.) Eric, I have 
something to say to you. (Aside) " I love your 
sister ", " I love your sister '\ (Aloud) I've — 
something to say to you, Eric — I — I 

Eric. "Well, what is it, Jack? 

Capt. O'Hara. Well — well, I'll say it some other 
time. (Going r. — aside) I'll never be able to say 
it. (Turns tip c. to back) 

Lady Neville. (Advancing from r. — down l.) 
Mr. Temple, we should like to hear you play from 
your opera. Here is the score. (Handing the Ms. 
to Eric) 

Eric. I know it without this. This — (Touching 
score) is the orchestral score. To-day all the songs 
of spring are tingling through my spirit. 

Alice. (Goes to l. of table; to Margaret zvho 
is at r. e.) Oh, Miss Neville, won't you sing 
" Heartsease " for us — the song that Eric dedicated 
to you? 

Eric. Yes, I beg of you. 

Margaret. Yes, I'll sing " Heartsease " for the 
last time. 

(Exits, followed by Capt. O'Hara and Alice. 
Eric looks after Margaret, surprised.) 

Eric. Lady Neville, won't you join them? 

Lady Neville. One moment, Mr. Temple. I 
want a word with you. Be seated. (Eric and Lady 
Neville sit at table r.) We must make a little 



HEARTSEASE. 29 

change in our arrangements. {Rings bell on table) 
Ivl. Darville is not coming. I have written him, see? 
— (Showing note) that the score will be sent to him 
at once, and your work will be heard, I am sure. 
{Enter Doxton up c. l.) Where's Green? 

DoxTON. Out, my lady. 

Lady Neville. Wilkins? 

Doxton. Out, my lady. 

Lady Neville. My chairman? 

Doxton. They're carrying my lud, my lady. 

Lady Neville. {Rising) I vv^ant a messenger at 
once. Call a chairman. A pubhc porter — anyone, 
but at once. 

Doxton. Yes, my lady. {Exits l. u. e.) 

Lady Neville. {Turns to Eric — tenderly) 
Well, am I doing my best for you ? 

Eric. (Rising, crossing c.) You are over-kind. 
I — I — don't know what to say. If I gave my feel- 
ings play, my words would seem extravagant. 
(Lady Neville pleased and almost tremulous, her 
eyes sparkling) My heart is full — I would speak, 
but J cannot — at least, not now. 

Lady Neville, (l. c.) Do not be afraid to 
speak. 

Eric, (c.) Oh, if I dared — Margaret! Shall I 
tell her of our love? Yes, I will ! 

Lady Neville. Come nearer, tell me, tell me 
what is in your heart? 

Eric. (Joyously) My heart? (Lochs towards 
music-room) 

Lady Neville. Yes. (Pause) Have you ever 
loved ? 

Eric. Loved ? Love is no longer a timid beggar 
at my door ; it is a welcome guest. 

Lady Neville. Ah ! (Goes and sits l.) 

Eric. With your goodness and kindness, Lady 
Neville, I feel I may confide. It is not alone that I 
have loved, but that I have loved almost without 
hope until yesterday, when two angel hands seemed 



30 HEARTSEASE. 

reaching down to open the gates of my Paradise. 
(Lady Neville gives him her hand, smiling. He 
takes it respectfully) 1 have dared — you have 
guessed it — to love a sweet clear being moving in 
a world beyond me. 

{Music and song.) 

Lady Neville. Ah ! I was right — — 



(Margaret's voice is heard singing "Heartsease/*) 

Eric. (l. c.) Listen! (Pause. Listening) 

" Their melody divine, 
Is singing to my longing. 
My darling shall be mine." 

Eric. So lips and souls are saying, my darling 
shall be mine. 

Lady Neville. (Seated l.) The words thrill 
me. 

( The music ceases suddenly off-stage. ) 

Eric. Such is my love. 
Lady Neville. Yes ! Yes ! 

(Enter Margaret; goes up c. Giving Eric her 
hand.) 

Eric. Bless your kind heart. Lady Neville, you 
knew my secret — (Bending over her hand. Mar- 
garet sees Eric and Barbara, stands transfixed and 
shudders) that all my hope in life, all the love of 
my being is centered — (In low voice) In Margaret. 

(Margaret, zvide-eyed, speechless, sinks hack 
through curtain. Enter Geoffrey l. u. e. 
Lady Neville is vexed and astounded. ) 



HEARTSEASE. 31 

Eric. (Durmg above business) Will you not 
tell her that you know ? {Long pause — then rises — 
light laugh) 

Lady Neville. (In laughing irony — Crossing 
from L. to c. Seeing Pom fret) Ah, Geoffrey, you 
are just in time. Mr. Temple is about to play from 
his opera. He has it here, you know. (Indicating 
book) 

Pom FRET. (B Giving stiffly) Mr. Temple is un- 
usually gracious. (Crossing l. to Eric) This is 
the famous work we have heard of ? 

Eric. (Crossing from l. to r, in front) Lady 
Neville, I shall be pleased to play some passages 
from it. (Exits r. 2 e.) 

Pom FRET. (l. c. up) H'm! A pretty talent, eh, 
my lady? 

Lady Neville. (Pause R. c. to Pomfret) Geof- 
frey, you should not let the opportunity slip with 
Margaret. Mr. Temple may prove a dangerous rival 
in more than music. Be bold ! Be bold ! 

Pom FRET. Is that a challenge, or advice? (Lady 
Neville laughs tantalidngly and exits r. 2 e. Piano 
music heard off-stage. Pomfret looking after her) 
I can be bold when I see my way, Lady Neville. 
(Listens to music) That's cleverly turned. (Goes 
a step R. as if to go in, then halts) No, why should 
I applaud the fellow? Prove a dangerous rival? 
Not so dangerous, my lady. But if Margaret loves 
him? 'death — I must not let an oppori- 'iy sHp. 
(Sits R. table— picks up letter) A k;:er! " M. 
Darville, Covent Garden Theatre " — Lady Neville's 
handwriting — H'm. (Pause) All his hopes are 
built on this, with Lady Neville as the first story 
in his house of cards. (Rises — turns, goes back to 
table and faces audience) If that damned thing 
were destroyed, it — Dare I? V/hy not? (Music 
sivells forte. He starts to hurriedly open the Ms. 
on table r. Pause, then crossing quickly to table r.) 
Lady Neville's letter. (Sees it) Ah ! To Darville. 



32 HEARTSEASE. 

(Laughs) It's a hundred to one hazard. (Writes 
on Lady Neville's letter. Crossing out address) 
" Major Twombly, White Horse Cellar, Windsor 
coach-room." (Sticking it under tapes of book) 
" To be called for." I can send for it there — and 
see if it is so wonderful. Any rate, he will not 

have 

DoxTON. (At sound of Doxton's voice Pomfret 
recovers himself) A chairman to take Lady 
Neville's letter is below, Sir Geoffrey. 

(Enter Chairman l. u. e. Crosses to c. then sees 
Pomfret.) 

Pomfret. Where are you going? 

DoxTON. To Lady Neville, for the chairman's 
fee. 

Pomfret. No. Can't trouble Lady Neville. 
(Throiuing coin) 

DoxTON. Thank ye, sur. (Exits with hook and 
letter up c. foUoived by chairman) 

Pomfret. (Rising) Now we may hear his 
music. (Laughing — stop music) And praise it, 
(Going r. Crossing over to r. arch) and then for 
the White Horse cellar ! 

(Enter Margaret r. c. down c.) 

Pomfret. (r. 2 e.) Mr. Temple is playing from 
his opera. 

Margaret, (r. at table) It does not interest 
me as you seem to imagine. 

Pomfret. Will you not join us? 

Margaret. Thank you, no. (Sits l. of table. 
Pomfret looks surprised and exits r. In subdued 
tone L. of table R.) Father was right — unworthy — 
base. 

(Enter Eric, radiant, r. 2 E.) 



HEARTSEASE. 33 

Eric. {Takes her hand across r. of table r.) 
You should have been there, Margaret. It was the 
first time in years I played a note of the opera. And 
it sounded sweet, as though your soul was playing 
through my fingers. Margaret ! Margaret ! 

Margaret. {Rising, withdrawing hand) Stop! 

Eric. (r. c.) Margaret! 

Margaret. Do not dare to call me Margaret. 
{Crosses c. up) 

Eric, (r.) Why? In the name of our love? 

Margaret, (c.) Love? You profane it ! 

Eric. Margaret, what does this mean ? (r.) 

Margaret. I will tell you — once for all. 

Eric. For pity's sake ! 

Margaret, (c.) I cannot. It is horrible. You 
are false, false not only to me, but to those — {Bit- 
terly) who would help you with their patronage. 

Eric. {r. c. stupefied) Patronage! 

Margaret, (c.) Aye, patronage. You are false 
to everything. 

Eric. Margaret, you must tell me. 

Margaret. {Going l.) I will tell you nothing. 

Eric. God knows why you have done this. I 
have lived only to worship you — but, Margaret, dear, 
my love will clear all in the end. 

Margaret. It is the end 

{Enter Lord Neville.) 

Eric. Not that, Margaret. 
Lord Neville. {Advancing c. paper in hand — 
sternly) Mr. Temple! 
Eric. (r. c.) Lord Neville. 
Lord Neville. Read that, sir. 

(Eric looks at paper.) 

Eric. (r. c.) A vile slander. 

Lord Neville, (c.) Ha! We'll see! You did 



34 HEARTSEASE. 

dedicate a song to my daughter — without my per- 
mission. 

Eric. (r. c.) Your permission ? I should have 
perhaps asked you, but 

Lord Neville. It was a gross impertinence. 

Eric. (Angrily) My lord! 

Lord Neville. Now, as to the rest 

Eric, (r.) The rest is infamous. 

Lord Neville. Infamous. That is the word — 
you intrigue with Lady Neville, play upon her vanity, 
to have me back up some stuff you call an opera, and 
then, by gad, I was fool enough to do it. 

Eric. Stop ! 

Lord Neville, (c.) Stop? 

Eric. Yes ! Viscount or varlet, I'll hear no more. 
No man could. 

Lord Neville. Does a man play and fawn upon 
a woman's vanity till she pays his debts ? 

(Enter Alice, O'Hara, and Lady Neville, r. i e. 
Padbury and Major c.) 

Eric. (Goes r.) It's a lie ! Like the rest — a lie ! 

Alice, (r. Gomg to Eric) What is it, dear? 

Eric. (r. c.) Insult, nothing but insult. 

Lord. Neville, (l. c.) Here is the man — 
(Pointing to Major) who told me of it. Speak, sir. 

Major. (Coming down with Fadbury l.) Well, 
here it is. Mr. Padbury told me that Lady Neville 
was paying Mr. Temple's debts. 

Eric. (r. c. stupefied) Padbury, speak, for 
God's sake ! You can refute it. 

Padbury. (c.) What's the use of it all, Mr. 
Temple? There are the notes. They are paid. 

Eric. Is that story true? Who paid them? 
(Padbury hesitates) Who paid them? 

Padbury. Lady Neville. 

Eric. Lady Neville? (Looks at her as if un- 
derstanding. Lady Neville looks imploringly at 



HEARTSEASE. 35 

him Eric speaks aside to Padbury as if saying 
''Go! Go!!'') 

(Padbury exits followed quickly by O'Hara and 
the Major.) 

Lord Neville. (Goes r. Crossing to Lady 
Neville. Margaret sinks on sofa l.) Lady 
Neville, am I — disgraced ? 

Lady Neville, (r. of R. table) My lord ! My 

lord! , ^ ^ 

Eric, (c.) One moment, Lord Neville. I ad- 
mit this assistance from Lady Barbara. I was hard 
pressed. I plead with her, begged her, and she at 
last consented, on condition that I should inform 
you and repay the debt as best I could through 
you. I needed the money, my lord. (Goes l.) 

(Lady Neville draws a long breath of relief.) 

Lord Neville, (l. c.) But you denied it a 
moment ago? (Suppressed anger) 

Eric. Yes. 

Lord Neville. Then you lied? (Violently) 

Eric. Yes, my lord. Give me my opera and let 
me go. 

Lord Neville. (Rings bell) Doxton ! Jenkms ! 
(l. u. e.) Give that man his opera and let him go. 

Pomfret. (r.) My lord, what is the meaning 
of this? 

Lady Neville. Where is it?— 'twas here— 
quarter of an hour ago. (Business— looking at 
table. Goes to cabinet) It must be in the music 
room. (Exits r. 2 e.) 

Lord Neville. Doxton ! Jenkins ! Get him his 
opera and show him to the door. 

Pomfret. (Soothingly) My lord, my lord! 

Lady Neville. (Entering in doorway) I can- 
not find it anywhere. 



36 HEARTSEASE, 

Alice. {Crossing to Eric) Eric! Eric! 

Lord Neville. {To Pomfret) Ah! Perhaps 
he has taken it himself to get money out of me. 
That trick won't do. 

Eric, (c.) Thank you for that insult, Lord 
Neville. I want no quibbling, no evasion now. 

Alice, (r. of c.) It was there awhile ago. I 
saw it. 

Lord Neville, {Crossing down l.) Am I to 
understand it is lost, stolen, here among you all? 

Eric. Lost? Stolen? My God, the only copy! 

Lord Neville, (l. u.) Well, if it has been lost 
here, I can pay you for it. 

Eric, (c.) Pay me? Pay me for it! Can you 
pay me for my hopes, for my years of toil and 
struggle ? Can you pay me for these ? No, it shall 
be found! It shall be found! 

Lord Neville. {Scornfully — seated l.) Come, 
sir, how much ? 

Eric. I tell you there is not enough blood in your 
bitter, bitter heart to pay me for it, and — {Looking 
agonsingly at Margaret, whose eyes meet his for 
a moment) all that its loss means to me. 

Lord Neville. How much, sir? 

Margaret. {Crossing between Lord Neville 
and Eric, and laying her hand on Lord Neville's) 
Father ! Not that ! — not now. 

Eric, (c.) I thank you. Miss Neville. 

Margaret. Not for your sake, sir, but for my 
father's dignity. You have been false — false to 
trust — false to everything that man should hold in 
honor. 

(Lady Neville and Pomfret exeunt r. 2 e.) 

Lord Neville. {Rising and crossing r.) You're 
right, Margaret. {To Eric) My lawyer shall see 
you to-morrow. Come, Margaret. 



HEARTSEASE. 37 

(Margaret crosses to Lord Neville and takes his 
hand, draws herself proudly up, then passes r. 
with Lord Neville hut does not halt, and 
passes off r. 2 e. Eric stands amazed, utterly 
overcome, looks wistfully after her, his hand 
wanders over the hack of the chair r. Tears 
start to his eyes as he hows his head. Alice 
comes tenderly to him, her hand steals into his; 
he grasps it spasmodically, turns quickly to- 
wards the door, his arm ahout his sister, hows 
his head, hroken utterly and in tears, and goes 
slowly as curtain falls.) 

CURTAIN, 



ACT III. 



Scene: — The box-tier at Covent Garden. A stair- 
case on l. side. The hack of the hoxes seen l. 
Three of the hox-doors practical. A tremend- 
ous and prolonged hurst of applause off-stage 
follows the end of the music as the curtain rises, 

DISCOVERED: — Padbury and Major coming 
down-stairs, 

Padbury. {At foot of stairs) Steady, Major, 
steady ! The King^s in the house. 

Major. {Drunk) Long live the King! Long 
live Sir Geoffrey Pomf ret ! Long live " Hilde- 
brand." {Crossing to c.) 

Padbury. Sir Geoffrey won't like you in this 
state. 

Major, (l.) Won't like me? He's got to like 
me. He's got to stand by me — wait and see. 
{Exeunt l. 3 e. ivith Padbury) 



38 HEARTSEASE. 

(Enter Alice, O'Hara and Lady 0*Hara l. i e.) 

Capt. O'Hara. Aunt, I didn't know it was Pom- 
fret's opera, or by the powers, we wouldn't be here. 

(Alice up stage. Group 2 passes upstairs — one re- 
maining on balcony.) 

Lady O'Hara. (l. c.) I thought it didn't mat- 
ter where you were, so long as Alice was with you. 

(Enter Quigg at back l. u. e. He comes down to 
O'Hara, touching his hat. Lady O'Hara joins 
Alice up c.) 

Capt. O'Hara. To be sure, but — what is it, 

Quigg. If you please, Captain, Mr. Eric Temple 
is arrived from Paris at your lodgings, sir. 

Capt. O'Hara. At my lodgings ? 

Quigg. (l. c.) He said his letter explained all. 

Capt. O'Hara. (r. c.) Dear, dear, now, I got no 
letter. (Aside) And he's there, and Alice is here, 
and I'm here, too. (Aloud — sympathetically) And 
how does she look, Quigg? 

Quigg. Poorly, sir-— disappointed-like. 

Capt. O'Hara. Of course, not finding his sister. 

Quigg. Captain, shall I tell Mr. Temple to come ? 

Capt. O'Hara. (l. c.) No — ^yes. (To Quigg) 
Yes, tell him to come — ^to Lady O'Hara's box. 
(Crosses to R.) 

Quigg. (c. Saluting, turning away and then 
turning) Beg pardon, sir, a little supper, Captain, 
after the opera? 

Capt. O'Hara. Yes, yes, Quigg, for two, and the 
best to be had. 

Quigg. Very good. Captain. (Exits l. u. e.) 

Capt. O'Hara. Aunt — (Lady O'Hara goes to 



HEARTSEASE. 39 

him) did you hear that? Eric Temple's in town, 
and coming here? Don't tell Alice. 

Lady O'Hara. And why not? 

Capt. O'Hara. You know, Aunt, you'd give her 
a shock. Leave it to me. I'll break it gently to her. 

Lady O'Hara. i'd like to see you break anything 
gently, Jack, but come. (Captain and Lady 
O'Hara go upstage) 

(Enter Padbury afid Major l. u. e., crossing to r.) 

Padbury. Steady Major! Here come the nobs. 

{Slight applause. Door of box No. 2 opens, and 
enter Lord Neville, folUnved by Pomfret zvho 
is uneasy, and Darville, who is enthusiastic. 
Movement of interest among the ladies and 
gentlemen as Lord Neville co^nes forivard. 
O'Hara halts an instant as Pomfret enters, 
then bows to couples and exits L. u. E. with 
Alice and Lady O'Hara.) 

Lord Neville. {Turning to Pomfret) By Gad, 
you've hit 'em, Geoffrey ! Didn't yon hear *em ? 
Don't be nervous now, mn.n. How Barbara clapped ! 
Split her gloves, I do believe. 

Pomfret. (r. c. uneasily — trying to smile) I 
thank you, I thank you, my lord. (Lord Neville 
and Darville go up, attracted by a lady and gentle- 
man whose bozv he returns. Lord Neville and 
Darville chat, dozvn r.) I\fargaret did not con- 
gratulate me, she never moved. {Goes l.) 

Major. {Seeing Pomfret) Hi, Paddlebnry, 
there's Sir Geoffrey ! Damme, I'll congratulate him. 
(l. c. — crosses to Pomfret, and slapping him on the 
back) Pomfret forever! (Pomfret ti'rns and 
scozvls) What did I tell you. Sir Geoffrey ! We 
<now where this opera of ** Hildebrand " came from ! 
Don't we? Ha! Ha! 



40 HEARTSEASE. 

Pom FRET. {Crossing to l.) How dare you! 
You drunken beast ! 

(Lord Neville and Darville cross to R. chatting.) 

Major, (c.) Drunk? I wasn't always drunk, 
was I ? You're a pretty fellow to call me a beast. 
Pom FRET. Leave me, or I'll run you through. 

{Group 2 comes down stairs laughing and chatting. 
Group I moves towards stairs meeting group 2 
—chat.) 

Major. Try your famous coup de jarnac on me? 
No more use for me, eh ? {Goes r. in front) Come, 
Padbury ! 

(Lord Neville goes down.) 

Padbury. Ah, my lord ! 

Lord Neville, (c.) The linen-draper! 

Padbury. (r. c.) You're en joy in' it, my lord, 
just as if it was a saddle of south-down mutton with 
turnip trimmin's. 

Lord Neville. {i..r— angrily) Ah! — City 
gourmandizer ! 

Padbury. (c.) We ain't met, my lord, since 
that little trouble about a year ago about Mr. 
Temple's debts, but I say shake hands. {Offering 
his hand) 

{Group pass upstage gradually. Group i exit 

L. I E.) 

Lord Neville. {Looking at Padbury's hand 
through glass) Go to the devil ! ( Turns up-stage — 
indignant) 

Major. {Crosses r. to stairway) Come, Pad- 
bury, we're not wanted here. {Halting at stairway) 



HEARTSEASE. 41 

Padbury. (c. l. waving deprecatingly to Major, 
crosses l. meeting Pomfret) Sir Geoffrey to show 
you Fve no hard feelings on account of his lordship's 
eyeglass, I'll take three pit tickets for your Third 
Night benefit and send my clerks to clap. 

Pomfret. (c.) Sir! 

Padbury. (c. r. ingratiatingly) Oh, you won't 
have to send no begging letters to me, like most 
authors. (Taking out purse) I'll pay you for 'em, 
ready money. (Pomfret dashes purse out of Pad- 
bury's hand and turns haughtily away) Cash 
down! 

Major. (At stairs) Now are you coming, 
Padbury? (Goes up stairway) 

Padbury. (Picking up purse) Vm coming. 
Major. (Joins Major — both turn and shake their 
fists at Pomfret, whose back is turned and go out 
upstairs. Enter Lady Neville in gay mood, fol- 
lowed by Margaret, sad and pensive) 

(Group I enters l. u. e. and dress stage at back, 
talking. ) 

Lady Neville, (l. c.) I vow, Geoffrey, I envy 
Lord Neville. 

(Darville and Lord Neville coming down r.) 

Pomfret. (c.) Why, Lady Neville? 

Lady Neville, (l. c.) Because he is the foster- 
father of " Hildebrand." 

Pomfret. (c.) I am much indebted to his lord 
ship's urging. 

Lord Neville, (r. c.) Why, six months ago, 
Geoffrey said he thought he would try his opera 
with Darville, and I said, Try it. 

Lady Neville. (Crosses r. to Lord Neville) 
you're modest, my lord. 

Lord Neville, (r. c.) 'Gad, you made such a 



42 HEARTSEASE. 

failure as a patroness of young genius, I thought Td 
discover a genius for myself. 

(Lady Neville turns pointedly away and hack to 
R. — A couple, lady and gentleman, bow to her 
— they gossip.) 

PoMFRET. (l. c. going to Margaret) Margaret, 
the verdict that I wait upon is yours. 

Margaret, (l.) Mine is of little value. Geof- 
frey. 

(Music stops.) 

PoMFRET. (l. c.) But it IS to Win your warm 
esteem, to bring honor to you, that I have done all 
this. I would have the whole world at the feet of 
the lady who will be my wife. 

Margaret. (Wincing a little) The opera is 
most favorably received. I am glad, of course. 
(Sits L. up-stage. Gives him her hand, which he 
kisses. Talks to her) 

Lord Neville. You're coming, Geoffrey ? (Up 

L.C.) 

PoMFRET. Yes! (Halting) No, I have some- 
thing in the house to look to. I shall join you on 
the stage. 

Lord Neville. Don't fail. I must be returned 
safely to her ladyship. (Exeunt r. i e. tvUh Dar- 
ville) 

Lady Neville. You will come back safe, dearie. 

Sir Geoffrey. I must see Major Twombly at 
once. I cannot afford to quarrel with him. 

Lady Neville. (Crossing to c.) Geoffrey, be 
patient with her. Your triumph to-night will work 
wonders. 

Sir Geoffrey. A little warmth now would not 
be out of place (Exits upstairs. Exit Alice and 
Captain O'Hara l.) 



HEARTSEASE. 43 

Lady Neville, (c.) Margaret, you are behav- 
ing shamefully to Geoffrey. He complains of it. 

Margaret. {Standing at door. Exit 2 supers 
and Lady O'Hara, r. u. e.) He has nothing to 
complain of. 

Lady Neville. A little warmth, he said just now, 
would not be out of place, and when a young woman 
of fashion is pledged to a dashing young gentleman, 
she might well 

Margaret, (l.) Have I promised warmth, 
enthusiasm? Urged, coerced by everybody, I con- 
sented to marry him — I told Sir Geoffrey I did not 
love him. I let my father pledge me, because 

Lady Neville. {Lightly) Because Sir Geoffrey 
is a man any woman might admire. {Stopping c.) 

Margaret. {Significantly) Because there was 
so much baseness in the world. 

Lady Neville, (c.) My love, the world won't 
ask your excuses for marrying a rich young baronet 
— at^ least, you need not give them. {Facing Mar- 
garet) 

Margaret. {Sternly — with growing warmth, ris- 
ing and going c. Facing Lady Neville) Lady 
Neville, it is time you knew that there are things 
you should not meddle with. 

Lady Neville, (c. r.) And what, pray? 

Margaret. A woman's love. 

Lady Neville. (r. c.) Hoity-toity, Miss 
Neville, why — ? {A little taken aback) 

Margaret, (c.) You know, I see it in your 
face. I have been silent. I suffered all, lost all, 
because the past was irrevocable, because to punish 
you would be perhaps to shame my father. 

Lady Neville, (c. r.) Lost all ? You mean-- 

Margaret, (l. c. faces audience) I loved Eric 
Temple ! 

Lady Neville, (c. r.) You loved him? I did 
not know that. 

Margaret. Oh! {Incredulously) 



44 HEARTSEASE. 

Lady Nevtlle. (Going to her) I swear I did 
not. 

Margaret. No, your simpering vanity lured him 
to your feet ; made him base enough to beg, if he 
was not already base enough. You gave him money 
— and then you saw him crushed, spurned, taking 
his shame upon him without one word of pity. 

Lady Neville. You did not pity him yourself — 
I did not dare. 

Margaret. If you loved him ! No, no, you could 
not — have loved him, but I had seen him at your 
feet, had heard him. Oh, it was fresh from the 
sight of that, that I had no pity for him — it was 
that filled me with hate and contempt for you. 
(Turning away) 

Lady Neville. (Turning and, in intense sup- 
pressed tone, goes r. Comes back to r. c. then 
speaks) The words of love you heard him speak 
were all for you. 

Margaret. For me? (Bitterly) Ah, while 
begging you to pay his debts. 

(Two steps up L. then turning slowly as Lady 
Neville speaks.) 

Lady Neville, (l. c.) He never begged! He 
never knew. I did it unasked. It was my own 
impulse — weak perhaps, vanity perhaps — to have 
him owe much to me. Once known, I could not face 
it to your father. 

Margaret (Confronting Barbara) You let 
Eric Temple ruin his life to save your name? 

Lady Neville. (Hanging head) Wounded 
pride, anger, fear held me, and he was the 
stronger ; he was a man. 

Margaret. It shall not be, it must be undone, 
you must undo it. 

Lady Neville. What must I do ? 

Margaret. Tell my father — (Lady Neville r.) 



HEARTSEASE. 45 

what fable you like, but it must clear Eric Temple's 
name. 

Lady Neville, (r. coming c.) Is there no 
other way? 

Margaret, (l. c.) Yes, I can tell him. (Move- 
ment to L.) 

Lady Neville, (c.) No, no. If you love him 
still, help me. 

Margaret. Love him still ? Love him still ? All 
night the memory of his love for me, my love for 
him, has been near me. The house, the applause, the 
music, bring it back and keep it by me. (Goes l.) 
Its memory is mine forever now. {Sinks into chair 
l.) 

Lady Neville. I'll do it — I'll tell your father the 
truth. (Lady Neville crosses to Margaret, strokes 
her hair, then passes hack of her and speaks line. 
Exits into box) 

Margarkt. My love! My love! To be near 
you, to comfort you — Oh, heaven ! (Rises) I have 
not the right. I am pledged to his enemy! (Music. 
Exits L. 3 e.) 

(Enter Captain O'Hara by stairs. He goes down 
ruminating. Alice and Lady O'Hara follow 
him, but remain on balcony. Captain O'Hara 
signals to Lady O'Hara to send Alice down. 
Lady O'Hara does so. Alice descends. Lady 
O'Hara laughs, shakes her finger at Captain 
O'Hara and exits above.) 

Alice. Now, what do you want to say. Captain ? 

Capt. O'Hara. I have something to say to you, 
Miss Temple. (Aside) Eric not here yet, how can 
I tell her ! (Aloud) Don't leave me. 

Alice. I'm not going to leave you, Captain. 

Capt O'Hara. (c.) That's right. You'd have 
my death at your door if you did. 

Alice, (l.) Don't talk of dying, Jack. 



46 HEARTSEASE. 

Capt. O'Hara. (r. c.) Well, I may, for it has 
come at last. {Laying his hand on his heart and 
hanging his head) 

Alice, (l. c.) What has come? Don't terrify 
me. Have you an affection of the heart ? 

Capt. O'Hara. I have, this long time, but that's 
nothing. I'm used to that. 
. Alice, (l. c.) Oh, dear, what can it be? 

Capt. O'Hara. (c.) I'll have twelve duels to- 
morrow if things go on as they are. 

Alice. What has happened? 

Capt. O'Hara. I'm told the King has spoken 
about it to the Prince of Wales. I'll be cashiered 
from the army. 

Alice. What is it? Oh, dear! 

Capt. O'Hara. (c.) It will be in all the papers 
to-morrow. You, and only you can save me. 

Alice. I ? 

Capt. O'Hara. Sure, that's why I mention the 
trifle to you, Alice darling. 

Alice. I'll do it, Jack, and I'll save you at any 
cost. 

Capt. O'Hara. (c.) Then you'll have to marry 
me. 

Alice, (l. c.) Jack! (Turning shyly away) 
How will that save you? 

Capt. O'Hara. Sure we'ye been seen together, 
my jewel. They're all talking about it. Oh, save 
my good name, save my good name! (Kneeling 
to Alice) 

Alice. I'll do it — even that — to save your good 
name. 

Capt. O'Hara. Oh — (Kisses her) I'm saved! 
I'm saved! (Kisses her) I'm saved again! And 
now, Alice, you'll tell Eric. (Go to l.) 

Alice. Yes, gladly. (Crosses up l. two steps) 

Capt. O'Hara. Bedad, I haven't told her about 
Eric myself. ( Goes r. ) 



HEARTSEASE. 47 

{Enter Margaret l. u. e.) 

Alice. Jack, Miss Neville. Shall I speak to her? 

Capt. O'Hara. (r.) Whatever the softest, 
dearest little heart in the world tells you to do. 

Alice. Miss Neville. 

Margaret. {At door turning quickly) Alice! 
Alice ! You speak to me ! (Embracing her) Alice ! 
Your brother, Eric — has he found any trace of the 
opera that was lost? 

Alice, (c.) No, no trace. After his long sick- 
ness, he went abroad. 

Margaret, (l. c. — pause) And you, dear? 

Alice. Lady O'Hara was good to me and has 
cared for me, and Captain O'Hara was a brother to 
Eric, and prevailed on him to go to the Continent. 

Margaret, (l. c.) Captain O'Hara — {Giving 
him her hand) You were good to Mr. Temple. 

Capt. O'Hara. (c.) Miss Neville! My friend 
is my friend while there's one drop of blood in my 
heart. 

Alice. (As if about to embrace him — l, c.) Oh, 
Jack! {Goes up r.) 

Capt. O'Hara. {He goes to Margaret and, tak- 
ing her aside) Miss Neville! You can do me a 
mighty big service. 

Margaret. Gladly. 

Capt. O'Hara. I've something that I want to 
break gently to Alice, and I'm that heavy-handed, I 
break an egg as if it were a skull. I want you to tell 
her that her brother is no longer abroad, and that he 
is coming here to-night. 

Margaret. {Clutching at him, and staring at him 
wide-eyed and tremidous) Eric Temple coming 
here to-night ? Alice ! 

Alice. Miss Neville, what is it? 
, Margaret. Your brother! He is coming here 
to-night. 

Alice. Eric! Eric! To-nioht! 



4^ HEARTSEASE. 

Margaret. Yes, yes. 

Alice. Captain, is this true? 

Capt. 0*Hara. (Stammering) Yes, it's true. 

Alice. Oh, why did you not tell me before ! I'll 
never speak to you again. But come, Miss NevillC;, 
I must inform Lady O'Hara at once. 

Margaret. Alice! (Exeunt l. i e.) 

Capt. O'Hara. (Looking after them) I could 
have broken it as gently myself. (Exits l. I e.) 

(Major and Padbury come down the stairs.) 

Padbury. (c. on stairs, near bottom) You said 
he sent a package to the White Horse cellar. 

Major, (r. c. just behind him) Never you mind 
what I said. Sir Geoffrey had to apologize ; he had 
to. (Comes down on stage and going L. of Pad- 
bury) And now, hark you, Paddlbury — not a word 
of what I told ye a moment ago, not a word of what 
I've ever told you. Understand! Don't permit 
yourself to remember that you ever heard a word 
about anything. In fact you never did hear any- 
thing about 

Padbury. (l. c.) But I did. 

Major. Then I accuse you of a falsehood, sir. 

Padbury. You do, and I ain't told no lie. 

Major. Then I've insulted you, and I expect a 
challenge. 

Padbury. There can be no offense between 
gentlemen friends. 

Major. You're bound to call me out. 

Padbury. No, sir, you are my guest. I cannot 
challenge you. 

Major. You are my guest, I asked you to my 
friend's opera. 

Padbury. I paid for the seats. 

Major, (r. c.) That is a trifle no gentlemen 
should mention. (Both move upstage) 



hiEAi-l'iSEASE. 



49 



Padbury. Then I'll not mention it. A pinch of 
snuff? (Back to audience — offers box) 

Major. Bah ! ( Tips snuff box and it spills over 
Padbury's face and ruffled shirt. Padbury rubs 
it — Major exits l. u. e.) 

Padbury. Oh, lord ! here's a mess — right in the 
opera too — and the King in the house. 

{Enter Lord Neville l. u. e. Padbury collides 
with him as he enters.) 

Lord Neville. Deuce take the man ! What ails 
him? 

Padbury. I beg your pardon, my lord, but I'll 
be revenged, I will. When I've washed my face, I'll 
have a White Horse cellar to tell you of. Oh ! Oh ! 
{Exits L. I e.) 

{Soprano solo heard.) 

Lord Neville. {Going to box) Margaret not 
here! {Turning. Enter Margaret l. i e.) Ah, 
Margaret, I was looking for you. 

Margaret. I have just left Miss Temple, 
father. 

Lord Neville. Temple, Margaret! You should 
not notice these people. 

Margaret. Father, we have wronged these 
people. 

Lord Neville. A disgraced, discredited man — 
a vile intriguer, his sister ! 

Margaret. (c.) Disgraced because he was 
brave, discredited because of another's cowardice. 

Lord Neville, (l. c.) You are raving, Mar- 
garet. The fellow's out of our world. We've done 
for him for good and all. 

Margaret, (l.) No, he was never in our world 
as he is to-night. 



50 HEARTSEASE. 

Lord Neville, (c. to her) This sister has been 
telling some pitiable tale. 

Margaret. (Turning slowly to him) It is a 
pitiable tale. It doesn't come from Eric Temple's 
sister, but from your lordship's wife. 

Lord Neville. Lady Neville? {Points to box 

2) 

Margaret. She will tell you. I — I cannot. 
(Crosses to R.) 

Lord Neville. Riddles, Margaret. I want no 
riddles. What have the fellow's rights or wrongs 
to do with you? 

Margaret. (Turns to him) Father, I love Eric 
Temple. 

Lord Neville, (l. over to her) You dare to 
say that to me? 

Margaret, (r.) He was a man of honor. 

Lord Neville. (Goes to box) You are promised 
to Sir Geoffrey. Silence, I will not hear another 
word. (Aside c.) Lady Neville will tell me — hum 
—what? I wonder? Come, Margaret. (Exit l. 
Margaret sinks into chair l. Bozvs her head and 
weeps. Lord Neville comtemplates her for a 
moment) 

(Margaret going l. is still pensive. Her despair 
has benumbed her. Music changed to Eric 
motif. Margaret seems to listen to it — passes 
wide-eyed, trance-like, toward the box and is 
about to enter.) 

Eric. (Off-stage l. u. e.) Lady O'Hara's box, 
I believe? 

(Margaret starts and turns. Eric entering. Cross- 
ing to foot of stairs l.) 

Margaret, (r.) Mr. Temple! 
Eric. (c. halting) Miss Neville. 



HEARTSEASE. 



51 



Margaret, (l.) I knew your voice. I was ex- 
pecting you. 

Eric. Expecting me? 

Margaret, (l.) I heard you might be here. 
Your sister Alice told me. 

Eric. They sent word to me. 

Margaret, (l. c.) One moment. I would ask, 
have you trace or tidings of your work ? 

Eric. (At r. c.) Ah! (His head drops as he 
crosses c.) No! It is gone — gone forever. 

Margaret, (l. c.) We tried hard, indeed we 
did, to recover it, but 

Eric Miss Neville, do not wring my heart speak- 
ing of it. Loss? It went, and left me among the 
shattered wrecks of life, drifting — {Lowering his 
voice) on a sea of chaos. I talk in foolish rhapsody, 
but 

Margaret, (c. l.) If I could help you 

{Music.) 

Eric. {Reproachfully) Why did you not help 
me ? As long as I lay ill, it was not my lost opera I 
raved about. With the first consciousness it was 
your face hovering about my pillow — your eyes still 
loving — ^your lips still kissing — ah 

Margaret. {Going up hack c.) Oh, do not re- 
call that. 

Eric. {Laughing bitterly) No, no! It was a 
false face, a mask. I laughed at the reality that 
was showing in your face, dav after day, night after 
night, cut in hard cold marble. 

Margaret. {Down r.) You will recall it. 
{Weeps) 

Eric. And as it hardened and hardened, I saw it 
mocking me. 

Margaret. Mocking? 

Eric. {Pause) Now look, it is wet with tears. 

Margaret. {Up to him) But I did not know— 



52 HEARTSEASE. 

Epic, (c.) Why were my letters sent back un- 
opened ? I could not dog your steps, I would not do 
that. 

Margaret, (r.) But Lady Neville has told me. 

Eric. Ah, no one could rescue me from myself 
but you. It was the loss of you that brought despair. 
I have sat and sat, my mind grasping after my 
melodies as if I would drag them from oblivion and 
win you in spite of all. I have heard them sobbing 
or sighing far off, as — {Looking about him c.) I 
seem to hear them now — (Turns away) 

Margaret. I want to tell you. You must hear 
it. I have told Alice. (He turns at her zvide-eyed as 
if listening) It was because I thought you were 
more to Lady Neville than to me — that I — turned 
from you! (Eric gasps as he understands) I saw 
you — close to her — her hand in yours — her eyes 
burning into your eyes 

Eric. {Advancing c. to her. l. bursting into a 
hysterical laugh) Really! Good God! Was it 
that? — that moment in which the first confession of 
my love was breathed to any mortal but yourself and 
Alice! {Looks zvildly at her — turning) My poor 
music is sobbing in my ears — for the pity of it — the 
cruel pity of it. {Suddenly) And it all came from 
that ? 

Margaret. {Bowing her head) Yes. 

Eric. Then as that was an hallucination — a 
fantasy — {Stops suddenly c.) Tell me, what opera 
is this? 

Margaret. {Receding l.) " Hildebrand." 

Eric, (c.) "Hildebrand?" Its story ?^ 

Margaret. An old Norseman — a Viking — his 
daughter, Fredegonde 

Eric. Ah! {Pause. Sigh. As if trying to re- 
call the conversation) Yes! Hallucination — ghosts 
of words and ghosts of melodies. My God ! 1 can- 
not think. Whose opera is this? 

Margaret, (l. h.) Sir Geoffrey Pomfret's. 



HEARTSEASE. t;^ 

Eric. (r. h.) Ah! Pomfret! Then I can 
laugh at it. 

Margaret. {Frightened — going l.) I must 
leave you. 

Eric. {Advancing c, catching her hand) No, 
no, don't go. I know what 1 am saying. No, no. 
It shall not break the current of my thoughts again. 
Iwas saying, was saying — that — that — {Decisively) 
since it was a hallucination — your thought, your 
fancy, that I loved any woman in the world but you 

— we may again 

Margaret. {Beside Eric c. l. Staring at him) 

It is too late, I am pledged to another 

Eric. (c. r.) To — to v/hom ? 

Margaret. {In lozv tones) 1 am plighted to 

Sir Geoffrey Pomfret 

Eric. {Lets her hand fall) I knew I hated him 
— deep, deep in my heart, I hate him ! I hate him — 
hate him ! 

Margaret. {Turning and appealing) But you 
will not hate mef 

Eric. {Clasping her in his arms) You love me! 
The ring of despair in your voice tells me that you 
love me — {Grasping her in liis arms) 

Margaret. (Struggling) Eric — {Trying to re- 
lease herself) Oh, this is madness. 

Eric. Call it what you will. It's a glimpse of 

Heaven. Margaret, Margaret, have pity on me. 

Margaret. Mr. — Eric! Eric! Eric! Mr. 

Temple. {Releases herself by a sudden effort 

indignant — drops a red rose in the struggle) How 
could you forget yourself ? (Eric extends his hands 
to her. Falls on his knees. Margaret sadlv) 
We must never meet again, never, never, never. 
(Exit into box 2) 

Eric. {Stands petrified. Kneels towards the box 
and extends his arms imploringly, despairingly; sees 
red rose, stoops slo7vly, picks it up, kisses it, raises 
it as if in adoration of her it typified, bends over tt 



54 HEARTSEASE. 

and kisses it, raises it and bends over it kissing it for 
the third time, then the music steals into his con- 
sciousness again. He listens intently, half fright- 
ened, raises his hand as if to mark time to it — pauses 
and says whisperingly) The ghosts, the ghosts 
are singing my melodies, my harmonies in my ears 
again. (Stares again) 

{Enter Alice l. i e.) 

Alice. Eric! (Takes Alice in his arms, then 
listens to music) Sing on, sing on, my songs. 
Listen, Alice, my music, listen : mine — mine. (Alice 
shakes her head) Not mine? Then Vm mad. 
Alice, Vm going home. My music — haunts me. 
Tm tired, beaten, I want rest. Come home. (Goes 

R.) 

Alice. Eric ! 

(Music swells louder,} 

Eric. (Starts, almost shouting) Alice, do you 
hear that? 

Alice, (l. c.) Not so loud, dear. 

Eric, (c.) Am I going mad? (Enter 0*Hara 
L.) Do you hear? Listen, Alice — Jack ! 

Alice and Jack. (r. of Eric — Jack l.) What ? 

Eric. Listen! (Pause — listens intently) Note 
for note — note for note — either that, or I am a hope- 
less lunatic. ( Taking Alice's hand on the one side 
and Capt. O'Hara's on the other) 

Alice. Yes, yes. 

Eric. Ever since I entered this place; through 
all my wild, whirling, torturing talk with her, my 
music — the music of my lost work has been ringing 
in my ears. Tell me, Alice, I know what I am talk- 
ing about, don't I ? 

Alice. Yes, dear — of course you do. (He re- 
leases their hands) 



HEARTSEASE. 55 

Eric. Then that — (Meaning the music which is 
playing) is mine. 

Capt. O'Hara. No, Eric, that's Pomf ret's opera. 

Eric. Pomfret! Again Pomfret! Listen! 
(Beats time for a few bars) There! I anticipated 
that. 

Capt. O'Hara. No, no, that's " Hildebrand." 

Eric. (Loudly) "Hildebrand?" No.no! I 
tell you it's mine. In the face of a thousand Pom- 
frets, I'll swear it's mine. A mother knows her 
child — I know the children of my brain I It's not 
" Hildebrand," it's " King Lear ! " (Enter Pomfret 
by r. staircase, tripping and looking triumphant, he 
reaches stage at end of Eric's speech, recognises 
Eric and stops. Eric recogni/:es Pomfret and ad- 
vances on him. Picture. Eric l. c. points up-stage 
tozvards music and both men look at each other — 
one pale zvith fright — the other trembling with rage. 
Pause) Thief ! 

Pomfret. How dare you? (Coming forward a 
step or t7vo) 

Alice. Eric! Eric! (Calling to him — he puts 
her away) 

Eric. Not content with taking^ from me the 
woman I love, you have stolen what would have 
given her to me. (Seizes Pomfret by the throat 
and shakes him) Confess — confess! (Loud ap- 
plause off-stage. Margaret enters from box) 

Margaret. Eric ! Eric ! 

Alice. (Screams) Eric ! 

(Eric has struggle zvifh Pomfret, at length throw- 
ing him forcibly to the ground, then stands 
above him in a raqe of triumphant passion, 
shouting incoherently. His voice heard above 
the din.) 

Eric. Reptile! Detested do^\ Treacherous 
hound! Sneaking thief ! — Your life! Your miser- 
able life! 

CURTAIN. 



56 HEARTSEASE. 



ACT IV. 

Scene: — Captain O'Hara's lodgings — a room 
comfortably furnished and hung with weapons, 
antlers, etc., c. At hack, a wide door draped 
with a curtain; r. a fireplace — fire lighted — red 
glow. Tzvo branch candlesticks on mantel-piece, 
L. a windoiv in recess, window seat and flower 
pots on sill — moonlight streaming in. Main 
entrance at back on L. of flat {corner) by 
practical flight of three steps, with balustrade 
curving slightly to R. The steps rise to a hall 
which is seen to run off at back to the l. A 
candle lighted on table in hall, but moonlight 
streaming in on it. Entrance also by small door 
n. above fireplace from high hall windows. 
Large high-backed armchair near fire. r. c. 
a table zvith flap to let down. It is laid with a 
white cloth and covers for tzvo, wine glasses, 
etc. A three-branch candlestick (lighted) on 
table, tzvo chairs near it. Sideboard r. of cur- 
tained door against flat. Iron knocker on hang- 
ing board off l. of hall; large lock zvhose bolt 
can be shot audibly on hoard below knocker. 

Music : — " Heartsease " for curtain. 

DISCOVERED: — Quigg arranging table: wine 
glasses, etc. 

Quigg. It's well I had that pheasant roasted. 
She's a ring-necked beauty! {Chime strikes eleven 
off-stage as in distance) Eleven o'clock ! They'll 
be here soon, now! Well, I'm ready for them. 
{Stands off surveying the table. Loud double knock 
heard off l. u. e.) There they are! {Goes upstairs 
and off L. taking candle from hall with him, and 
unlocks door audibly. Pause) 



HEARTSEASE. 57 

(Music of '* Heartsease" heard off — very piano. 
Enter CAY*TAiif O'Hara, quickly and cheerily. 
He trips dozvn the step^s, goes to c, and turns 
towards steps.) 

Capt. O'Hara. Come, Eric. (Going to table) 
Supper is waiting for us. (Enter Eric from hall. 
He is wrapped in his cloak — sad and dejected. 
Comes dozvn steps, throimng off cloak. Enter Quigg 
replacing candle on hall table and coming to Eric. 
Aloud) Take Mr. Temple's cloak and hat, Quigg. 

Eric. {To Quigg — as he takes cloak and hat) 
Leave them here, Quigg. (Puts them on chair up- 
stage. Going to Captain O'Hara) No, Jack, no. 
I've no heart for feasting. (To Quigg) Bring my 
portmanteau ; you have only to close it. 

Quigg. (A little in wonder) Very good, sir. 
(Exits R. u. E.) 

Capt. O'Hara. What d'ye want with the 
portmanteau ? Are you going to sit on it end up, at 
supper — as we used to in the fighting days at 
Tan j ore ? 

Eric. No, Jack. I have had my fight — -I have 
lost. It is hopeless — I should be gone. Jack, I am 
going away. 

Capt. O'Hara. Ha! Ha! Ha! Eric, we'll 
talk about that after supper. 

Eric. Jack, I can't eat, and I must go now. 
The beaten soldier must retreat — ^you know that. 
There's nothing else to do. 

Capt. O'Hara. Nothing else to do? 

Eric. I can't stay where I have lost so much. 
Why, then, split hairs on whether it is to-day or to- 
morrow ? 

Capt. O'Hara. (Decisively) Well, you're not 
going away now. 

Eric. (A little nettled) Jack! 

Capt. O'Hara. (Sharply) Well, you're not, by 
my soul, you're not. 

Eric. (Angrily) Jack! 



'58 HEARTSEASE. 

Capt. O'Hara. (l. c.) Now, Eric, the last thing 
I saw at Covent Garden as I buffeted our way to 
the street was a haughty baronet with his hands on 
his throat wondering whether the life was choked 
out of him. 

Eric. (r. c.) Ah, I could not control myself. 

Capt. O'Hara. Well, it was against the code 
duello, but Eric, it was mighty well done. 

Eric. (Thinking of it with aversion) Ah, it 
was unworthy. 

Capt. O'Hara. (Gleefully) Well, you struck 
him, and if Pomfret would ever hold up his head 
again he must challenge at once. 

Eric. Jack, I did not think of that, ah, Jack 

Jack. 1 went over it in my mind all the way here 
and I can see no way out of a challenge for Pomfret. 

Eric. Good, Jack, good! 

Capt. O'Hara. We may look for it at any 
moment 

Eric. Splendid, Jack, splendid ! 

Capt. O'Hara. I thought I'd only have to men- 
tion it, so you see you must wait here to fight him. 

Eric. Till doomsday, if he'll fight. 

Capt. O'Hara. (crosses to l.) Well, mean- 
while we turn our thoughts to supper. 

Eric. I felt my blood stir in my veins again, yes, 
yes. Despair so numbs the soul that the eyes forget 
to see, the mind to reason. 

(A double knock heard at door off l. u. e.) 

Capt. O'Hara. (Off-stage) Major Twombly! 
This way, Major. 

(Enter Major by the steps, severe, important. 
Captain O'Hara replaces candle and trips 
down after Major.) 

Major, (l. c. bozving stiffly) Mr. Temple. 



HEARTSEASE. 59 

Eric. (c. hoiving) Major Twombly! 

Major. {Stands l. h.) I may infer, gentlemen, 
that this unseasonable visit is not unexpected. 

Eric. (r. seated) You can best explain, sir. 

Major, (l.) I am Sir Geoffrey's Pomfret's 
friend. As the lamentable occurrence is fresh in our 
memories 

Eric. Pass the preliminaries, I pray, Major. 

Major. {Half reclining) I have the honor to 
demand on my principal's behalf the satisfaction due 
a gentleman, and to demand it instantly. 

Eric. Yes, he shall have it. 

Major. You will name a friend with whom the 
details can be arranged ? 

Capt. O'Hara. (c.) There's no necessity to 
name him — his name is Jack O'Hara. 

Major. As the challanged party 

Capt. O'Hara. We choose swords ; six in the 
morning, in Hyde Park, principals, seconds ; and I'll 
bring a surgeon. {As he names each condition he 
turns to Eric, who nods asssent to each) 

Major. {Rising) Very good, Captain. We 
hoped for a quicker meeting. 

Eric. {Rising) Stay! Name ro7/r conditions. 

Capt. O'Hara. By my soul, no. We've settled 
them. It's our right. 

Major. My principal presses for an instant 
meeting. 

Eric. (To Jack) Why not? 

Capt. O'Hara. {To Eric) Leave it to me. 
{To Major) Under the Clonmel code — the code 
for gentlemen anywhere — we have already conceded 
a point. We have received and honored a night 
challenge, which is ordinarily inadmissible. (Major 
bozvs and goes tozvards stair. Quigg enters r. u. e. 
zvith portfnanteaii and portfolio) Very well, at six 
o'clock in the morning at Hyde Park. 

Quigg. Your portmanteau, Mr. Temple. {Exit 
Quigg) 



6o HEARTSEASE. 

Major. (Laughs, returning l. c.) It appears, 
gentlemen, I was barely in time. I would remind 
you, Captain, the night challenge is admissable 
" Where the party to be challenged intends leaving 
the place before morning." Is the point well taken ? 

Eric. Sir? 

Capt. O'Hara. (Crosses to Major) Major, 
you're going too far; you'll have something to say 
to me about this. 

Eric, (c.) No, no. Jack, he's right. We cannot 
fight too soon. The chance of finding Pomfret 
eager will not find me unready. We'll fight here, 
now, in the light or in the dark. 

Major. {To Captain O'Hara) Would you 
permit a fight here? 

Capt. O'Hara. Devil take it, why not? You 
make a man's blood boil, and ask him if he's hot. 
Ay, here. I'll take care of that. 

Major. Here, in an hour. 

Eric. At twelve o'clock. 

Major. At twelve o'clock, gentlemen. (Goes 
up, conducted by Captain O'Hara, who bows him 
out. Door shuts) 

Eric. (Sits a moment gating before him as the 
Major goes out, then suddenly springs to his feet) 
An hour ! Now I have new life, new passions, some- 
thing to live an hour for. Pomfret's sword may add 
my life to what he has taken, but he shall not take 
it easily. (Captain O'Hara comes sympathetically 
to Eric) Not as he stole my work. Not as he stole 
my love. 

(Enter Quigg r.) 

Capt. O'Hara. (Putting Eric in seat at table, 
facing audience) And now for a bit of this 
pheasant — (Going to r. side of table and carving) 
and a glass of good Burgundy alongside of it. 
(Passing plate. To Quigg) And now your lord- 
ship can leave us. (Sitting l. of table) 



HEARTSEASE. 6i 

(Exit QUIGG R. U. E.) 

Eric. (Raising glass) Jack! (Drinks) Ah, 
that's the real fluid of life itself. 

Capt. O'Hara. Ah, Eric, you need that. (Eat- 
ing) Oh, her ladyship's tender. (Eric looks up) 
I shot her myself in Lord Oxford's preserves. 
(Eric laughs, clinks glass with Jack and empties 
it; refills) It reminds me of the days we went 
pheasant-shooting in Tanjore. 

Eric. (Sits back of table) Ah! Glorious days ! 
(Drinks and begins eating) 

Capt. O'Hara. Why, when I tell them over at 
Lady O'Hara's how you brought that bird down, 
Alice laughs till 

(Eric drops fork and knife.) 

Eric. (With sudden gravity of manner) Alice? 

Capt. O'Hara. Never fear for Alice, Eric ; hus- 
band or brother, she'll have someone to look after 
her. 

Eric. Jack — (Drinks) 

Capt. (3'Hara. Eric, I've got a secret to tell you. 

Eric. Yes ? 

Capt. O'Hara. I've been wanting to tell you this 
long time. 

Eric. What is it, Jack ? (Reaching for decanter) 

Capt. O'Hara. I'm determined at last to tell it. 

Eric. (Pouring wine) Well, out with it, Jack. 
(Holds up glass) 

Capt. O'Hara. (Hesitating) Well, you know — 
(With sudden desperation) I love your sister. 

Eric. (Drinking) Yes, Jack. Go on. 

Capt. O'Hara. I love your sister. 

Eric. But your secret? 

Capt. O'Hara. Why, that's it, I love your sister. 

Eric. Why, that's no secret. 

Capt. O'Hara. You know it ? 



62 HEARTSEASE. 

Eric. {Reaching his hand) Everybody knows it. 
Jack ! God bless you ! God bless you both. We'll 
drink to her health. 

Capt. O'Hara. With all my heart, but steady, 
Eric. Eating is better for you than drinking now. 
(Eric eats) Why, I was afraid to tell Alice you 
were coming to the opera to-night, and if it wasn't 
for Miss Neville who, barring your sister, is the 
most charming girl I ever saw — (Eric drops knife 
and fork) A little too old, perhaps. (Business) 
I mean the bird. 

Eric. {Dreamily) Oh! 

Capt. O'Hara. Why did you stop eating? 

Eric. Eh! Oh! I stopped to drink. {Drinks) 

Capt. O'Hara. Then we'll drink her health, too. 
Miss Neville. {Raising glass. Rising) 

Eric. {Rising) God bless her! 

Capt. O'Hara. {Starts — looks at Eric) Why> 
Eric, you said that as if you loved her. 

Eric. With all my soul. 

(Captain O'Hara and Eric touch glasses silently, 
drink, and sit quietly.) 

Capt. O'Hara. I see, it was not the loss of your 
opera that broke your heart. 

Eric. {Slightly inebriated) Jack, there are 
steps and grades in loss on loss, before heart-break 
comes. {Looks tozvards candlestick and drazvs it 
towards him, looking at it) Jack, when my father 
died the golden sands ran out of life's hour glass 
for me. Fortune went. {Extinguishes a candle) 
But the star of music, mystic, luminous, fascinating, 
rose and drew me after it — as the star drew the 
shepherds' Kings. Jack, then music died away. 
(Puts out the second candle) Still one light burned 
— the lamp of love. It shone out clear and mellow, 
and still I lived. Jack, still I lived ; but, oh, Jack, 
since that pure flame is quenched and dead, and 



HEARTSEASE. 63 

shines for me no more, it is utter darkness — as it is 
here now. (Extinguishes third candle. Pause) 

Capt. O'Hara. Bedad, you've made it dark for 
both of us. 

Eric. (Grasping decanter) Yes, black and 
blank, but — (Pausing) still there's something to do. 
(Drinks) 

Capt. O'Hara. Eric, your hand will never be 
steady, and it has need to be. 

Eric. (Rising) Why, I haven't a nerve. I feel 
like a man freezing to death. (Goes to mantel- 
piece at R. H.) A man should be warm till he dies. 
I'll drink your health, Jack ; I feel as if I could sleep. 

Capt. O'Hara. Faith, that's an idea, somebody 
says that sleep knits up the ravelled socks of care. 

(Eric sits in large armchair near fire, hack to 
audience.) 

Eric. (Captain O'Hara brings cloak and puts 
it about Eric) Is this rest at last? Bless you, 
Jack, bless you! (Falls asleep) 

Capt. O'Hara. Poor fellow ! A little sleep will 
do him good. Half an hour yet. (Going to r. u. e. 
calling off in low tone) Quigg! Quigg! (Enter 
Quigg) Clear away, Qui^fg. (Knock at outer door 
L. H. Quigg moves table to back as told) I'll 
go myself. It can't be they already. (Exits l. 3 e. 
Pause. Door closes. Voice of Padbury, off-stage) 

Padbury. Captain ! Captain ! 

Capt. O'Hara. Whist! 

(Enter Padbury, followed by Captain O'Hara 
L. 3 E.) 

Padbury. (l. c.) Where's Mr. Temple? 
Capt. O'Hara. (c.) He's asleep; you'll wake 
him — there he is. 

Padbury. (Crossing to r. c. Looking at Eric) 



64 HEARTSEASE. 

Don't he look pale ? Poor chap, he looks as if he had 
his share of trouble. 

Capt. O'Hara. Trouble, is it ? Enough to make 
him what he was to-night, a madman. 

Padbury. What for? 

Capt. O'Hara. For accusing Sir Geoffrey Pom- 
fret of having stolen " Hildebrand " from him. 

Padbury. Did he do that? 

Capt. O'Hara. Yes. 

Padbury. Then I can prove he wasn't mad, and 
that is why I came to you to go with me to Burton 
House, and Lord Neville would listen to the facts 
from you. 

Capt. O'Hara. Go on man, what is it? 

Padbury. You know Sir Geoffrey's friend the 
Major? He was in his cups to-night, and had some 
words with Pomfret. In his drunken indignation 
he confessed to me he had assisted Sir Geoffrey to 
steal Mr. Temple's opera. It was given to the 
chairman who was called to Lady Neville's, directed 
to the White Horse cellar to be called for, and the 
Major called. 

Capt. O'Hara. Oh, by the powers! 

Padbury. Shortly after hearing this, I had rea- 
son to leave the opera house and I found the very 
chairman that took the package; he is waiting for 
me outside. 

Capt. O'Hara. I'll wake Eric and tell him ! No, 
I'll let him sleep, poor fellow. 

Padbury. (Louder) Lord Neville ought to 
know it. I'd tell him myself if I didn't think he'd 
kick me for talking to him. Oh, I've had enough 
of nobs. (Crosses to Captain O'Hara, going to 
door, L. u. E.) 

Capt. O'Hara. Sh! You'll — you'll waken him. 
CPadbury goes up steps. L. c.) Now you can go to 
bed, Quigg. You're not wanted to-night, no matter 
what you hear, understand ? 

Quigg. (r. c, at sideboard) Yes, sir. 



HEARTSEASE. 65 

Capt. O'Hara. Good-night. 

QuiGG. Good-night, Captain. (Exits r. 3 e.) 

Capt. O'Hara. (Aside) I can be back before 
they come. Who'll let me in? I'll leave the door 
ajar. (Takes hat and goes L. up steps) Padbury, 
if you're an old grocer, you've a good heart. 

Padbury. I always said so, Captain. 

(Captain O'Hara stops his mouth.) 

Capt. O'Hara. Whisht, and come on ! 
Padbury. I'm a comin' — Fve a good lieart. 
(r. Exits L. u. E. following Captain O'Hara) 

(Long pause: thirty seconds. Hear tease played on 
cello, off — a light tap heard as on wainscot 
outside, and after an instant it is repeated. 
Margaret appears in hall, comes cautiously 
forward and down one step, looking around.) 

Margaret. (Low tone) Captain O'Hara! 
(Descends another step) Mr. Temple! — Mr. 
Temple! (Reaches floor) Am I too late? I heard 
— I know Geoffrey will force him to fight, I cannot 
bear it. (Crosses r. upstage) Mr. Temple. Mr. 
Temple! (Sees Eric asleep) Ah, safe! — asleep! 
(Approaching Eric and three-quarters facing 
audience. Kneels r. c. near chair) My love! My 
love ! You cannot hear me, but I have come, dear, 
to lift the shadow from your soul. You told me 
of your love for me through shame and suffering. 
They said you were mad, but when your song, my 
song, " Heartease,'* came to my ears in the opera 
to-night, I knew then you had but reclaimed your 
own — and here upon my knees I ask you to forgive 
me, to forgive me ! 

(Eric's hand moves. He is seen to turn his head 
slowly towards Margaret and to lean towards 



66 HEARTSEASE. 

her as if she were a vision. She extends her 
hands towards him. He leans forward, touches 
her, starts hack, rises.) 

Margaret. Mr. Temple! 

Eric. In Heaven's name, what brings you here? 

Margaret. Justice! I am here to right the 
wrong I helped to fasten on your life. 

Eric. No, no, think of the awful risk — alone, 
here in the rooms at midnight. You must not stay. 
Rather a thousand wrongs than you should tarnish 
your fair name. 

Margaret. I know Sir Geoffrey Pom fret to be 
a thief. I know that he will challenge you. I know 
that it is planned to murder you. Eric, I know you 
spoke the truth. 

Eric. You believe in me ? Thank God for that. 
With your faith, I am murder-proof. 

Margaret. You must not meet him. 

Eric. Must not meet him? 

Margaret. You must not. Promise me you will 
avoid this meeting. 

Eric. No, no. He stole my work; he shall not 
rob me of my honor. 

Margaret. Wait until you have regained the 
first. Do you not see he will force this meeting to 
prevent your doing so? 

Eric. Why should I fear to meet him? I have 
lost more than life itself — and life is worthless to 
me now. 

Margaret. Think of my life — my life that is 
bound up with yours. Ah, Eric, Eric, I love you so. 

Eric. Margaret — ^bless you for those words, and 
if I live 

Margaret. You must, you shall. 

Eric. Ah, dearest, go. Go, I entreat you. If 
they should return and find you here — ? 

Margaret. (Passionately) Ah, then he has 



HEARTSEASE. 67 

challenged already. I will not go until you promise 
not to fight Sir Geoffrey. 

Eric. I cannot! 

Margaret. Eric, Eric, your life is mine. 

Eric. Yes, but honor is above our lives, and I 
must think of yours. Go ! Go ! 

Margaret. Not till you swear that you will not 
fight Sir Geoffrey ! 

Eric. I cannot swear. Hush ! They are coming. 
Sir Geoffrey and Captain O'Hara. Who let you in ? 

Margaret. I found the door ajar. 

Eric. Then we must not be surprised. (Looks 
about) Margaret, in behind the curtains. (Goes 
to curtains) In this room ! For pity sake's, quick ! 

Margaret. No! 

Eric. Think, if they find you here ! If you stay, 
your name is blasted, your honor gone. 

Margaret. Then it is my honor against yours. 

Eric. Your honor or mine? 

Margaret. Yes : your honor or mine. {Knock- 
ing heard again, and voices) 

Eric. Ah, no, not that. Do not put me to that 
cruel test. You will let me keep all I have left, my 
honor ? Go ! Go ! 

Margaret. No! Not until you swear you will 
not fight Sir Geoffrey ! 

Eric. You will not? 

Margaret. No! Eric — (Stands silent in horror) 
Let my honor go! (Margaret gives a swift look 
towards entrance L. then goes behind the curtains c. 
at back. Captain O'Hara's voice heard off) 

Capt. O'Hara. (As he raises his foot) Eric! 
Eric! (Eric takes candlestick from mantel-piece, 
wipes perspiration from his forehead and goes up 
L. and off like a man dased and crushed; lock shoots 
back. Bustling entrance of Captain O'Hara. - 
Goes R. ^ Enter Major followed by Pomfret 
wrapped in cloak. Major comes l. c. Pomfret goes 
dozvn L. Major carries swords. Enter Eric, who 
stands c.) Now then, to business. 



68 HEARTSEASE. 

Eric. Gentlemen! There will be no fight. 
(Captain O'Hara starts, thunderstruck.) 

Pom FRET. Coward, as well as liar! 

Major. (Intervening) Leave the word to me, 
Sir Geoffrey. We will accept no apology. 

Capt. O'Hara. 'S blood, Eric, we can't stand 
that! (Eric stands helpless — hanging his head) 
Eric ! You heard them ! 

Eric. I cannot fight them! 

Pom FRET. Fight, damn you, you cannot crawl! 

Capt. O'Hara. Insults to my friend, while the 
affair is in my hands, are insults to me 

Eric. (Stopping him) No, Jack, no. 

Pom FRET. (Goes to Eric c.) Has the coward 
no more to say? Has the liar lost his breath? H 
you will not fight, speak. (Eric bozvs his head 
and clenches his hands) If you will not speak, 
kneel! (Eric turns a face of misery to Pom fret) 
Insulting dog ! Crawling hound ! Cur ! You dared 
accuse — ^you dared to strike! Well, then a blow. 
(Striking Eric in the face with glove) There! 
(Strikes again) There! 

(Enter Margaret through curtains with a wild cry.) 

Margaret. Coward! Eric, kill that man! 
Eric. Ah ! 

(Pom fret throws off cloak l. Eric draws sword 
from Major, who holds them c. Pomfret at 
sound of Margaret's voice has hacked aivay l. 
Pomfret drazvs sword. They rush together 
and fight furiously — Eric disarms Pomfret. 
Padbury's voice heard off l. u. e. just as fight 
ctdminates. Enter Lord Neville wearing 
cloak. He stands an instant at the head of 
steps. ) 



HEARTSEASE. 69 

Lord Neville. Stop ! This fight goes no further, 
gentlemen! (Lord Neville descends and goes c.) 

(Alice runs to Eric l.) 

Alice. Eric! Mr. Padbury brought me here! 

Pom FRET. In good time, my lord, to take home 
your daughter, whom I found in this man's rooms 
at midnight. 

Lord Neville, (c.) Silence, sirj You are 
speaking of my daughter. Mr. Temple, what of this 
charge you made to-night ? 

Eric. My lord, it was was not " Hilebrand " you 
heard to-night, but my stolen opera " King Lear." 

Lord Neville. I know it, sir. (To Pomfret) 
Your confederate confessed in his cups to-night: 
the messenger who innocently aided the thief has 
been found. The proof is complete. 

Padbury Yes, Eric. I told his lordship all about 
it. (Major is sneaking to door) Ah, Major, don't 
be in a hurry. 

Major. Excuse me. I've got an important en- 
gagement in Lambeth. {Exits l. u. e.) 

Pomfret. {Crosses r.) All this sounds most 
ingenious, but you have not a particle of proof. No 
one can dispute my authorship of " Hildebrand." 

Margaret. {Comes down -l. of c.) Yes: I can! 

Pomfret. What, you. Miss Neville? Do you 
dispute it to ? 

Margaret. Yes! Mr. Temple's song of 
" Heartsease " is in the final act of " Hildebrand." 
I heard it. I knew it to-night. 

Pomfret. A mere coincidence. 

Margaret. Too exact for that: it was note for 
note. 

Eric. Yes, Alice it was there, the same melody, 
the same harmony. You see, my lord, I stole my 
best to give to her. 

Lord Neville. Mr. Temple,' I thank you, but if 



70 HEARTSEASE. 

you have been wronged, as I most firmly believe, 
neither my name, Lady Neville's, nor yours, Sir 
Geoffrey, shall be spared in the investigation. 

Pom FRET. Your lordship seems to threaten. 

Lord Neville. Sir Geoffrey, it is you who seem 
to fear, but where I have done wrong, there will I 
set right. 

Pom FRET. (Winces, but assumes bold front) It 
is positive charity to assume that his lordship is in 
his dotage. 

Lord Neville. (Going up) Go to the devil! 
(Pom FRET goes up. Padbury hands him in succes- 
sion, his cloak, sword, hat and gloves, each with a 
bow) Your cloak, your sword, your gloves, and 
your hat. Don't hurry. 

Pom FRET. (On steps) I always told your lord- 
ship that you would have all Cheapside in the 
family. (Exits, followed by Padbury l. u. e.) 

Lord Neville. Mr. Temple, how can I ever re- 
pair the wrong I have done you? 

Eric. My lord, the one inspiration in my work, 
the reward, the light, toward which I battled through 
the darkness — was love. When that is won, all else 
were well lost. 

Lord Neville. And Margaret? 

Margaret. You know I love him, father. 

Lord Neville. (To Eric) Take her, sir. It was 
he who discovered you, after all. 

(Music of "Heartsease'* heard off-stage.) 

Eric. Real, breathing, loving. It is no dream. 
God does not give us more than we can bear. 

Margaret. For us, love always, love unalterable. 

Eric. Yes, and the "Heartsease" that comes 
with love. 

CURTAIN, 



